
ass 



Book 



i i .1 :ted id 




Drawing of Book-mark used by tin.- late Professor John Frits Frazer 
Three and one-sixtli times, linear measurement, the size of the engraving on the die. 



DEDICATED 

TO ALL DESCENDANTS 

OF THE 

SUBJECT OF THIS MEMOIR 
WHO HAVE EMULATED THE HIGH 
CONCEPTIONS OF DUTY 

AND CONDUCT 
ILLUSTRATED BY HIS LIFE 




Mary Worrau. Taylor Frazer 
1). April S, 1745, d. Nov. 19, 1830. 
From ,i silhouette made when she was about seventy-five years of age. 



GENERAL PERSIFOR FRAZER 



\ 



A MEMOIR 



COMPILED PRINCIPALLY PROM HIS OWN PAPERS 



BY 



HIS GRKAT-GRANDSON 



PERSIFOR FRAZER 

Docleur es-Sciences Nalurelles (Univ. de France) 
Correspondent der k. k. grol. Reichsanstalt cu IFiVn. 



PHILADELPHIA 

1907 









G" 
A 



PREFACE 



An obstacle to preparing family memoirs with any completeness ari 
from tin- circumstance that they arc rarely attempted while the writer 
is young, because then he neither lias time for such work, nor realises 
its importance. Before he reaches the age when this service to his 
predecessors will present itself to him as a duty, his elder relatives, 
who link him to the lives he would portray, pass away one by one 
without arousing in him a suspicion of the danger of losing all con- 
temporary testimony. Finally, when he is ready, and looks over the held. 
doubts which might have been settled by these relatives arise on every 
hand. "If I had only known in time!" he vainly exclaims. 

Another misfortune results from the indifference of many of our sturdy 
early American settlers to preserving their correspondence, and a disincli- 
nation amounting to repugnance to having their pictures taken. There ex- 
ists, so far as 1 know, no portrait of the original Persifor of Glass- 
lough, Ireland, nor of his son John the original immigrant, nor of Gen 
eral Frazer. There would have been none of the latter's wife hut for the 
deft art of cutting out silhouettes, and for Mrs Mary Worrall Frazer's 
curiosity to see it done, when, an old lady of about seventy-five, she 
visited the Chinese Museum in Philadelphia. 

The head of this profile (see frontispiece) is not as satisfactory as a 
very ordinary portrait or crayon sketch would have been, hut 1 am thank- 
ful to have even this. 

The present collection of papers, relevant and irrelevant, makes no pre- 
tence to consideration as a biography. It was undertaken from a 
suise of duty to the subject, to preserve the records of the gradually 
disintegrating papers so that some one in the future, by their aid, might 
write a biography of General Frazer which would he worthy oi him. 

So far as I could, I have presented the papers without a touch 
of the editorial pen except in a few comments. Spelling and punc- 
tuation in these documents, whether by the editor's ancestors or by those 
who wrote to them, have been kept inviolate. 

This volume is the successor to "Persifor Frazer's Descendants I*' 
which treated principally of the original immigrant John Frazer, the 
father of the subject of .the present memoir. 



A summary or digest of the principal events in the life of General 
Frazer here follows. 



1 735' 1 775 

He was born August 9-10. 1735. In his 16th year (1751) he was 
probably acting as clerk in his Father's office. In his 29th year (1764) 
his Father died, July 5. 

In his 30th year he signed the non-importation resolutions of the mer- 
chants of Phila. (1765). In the same year his Mother died, Sept. 7. 

He was married to Mary Worrall Taylor in his 31st year, Oct. 2. 1766. 

He was chosen a member of the committee of Chester Co. to carry 
out the resolutions of Congress Dec. 20. 1774. 

In this year he was also elected a delegate to the Provincial Council 
better known as the Committee of Safety. He was appointed one of a 
committee of seven to draft a petition to the General Assembly for the 
manumission of slaves. — January 25, 1775. 

i77» 

He received from Congress his commission as Captain of Co. A 
4th Pennsylvania Battalion, Jan. 5. 1776. 

After raising his company it rendezvoused at Chester in March. 
He left Camp with Dr Kennedy for Long Island, Thursday May 16; 
arrived in New York Saturday morning May 18; and crossed over to 
Long Island "3/4 mile distant from New York", Sunday morning 
May 19. 

From May 19 to June 29 he was serving in, or commanding detach- 
ments which scoured the island to arrest tories; and preparing for the 
expected attack by the British. With his command he started by boat 
for Albany Saturday June 29, and arrived there Tuesday July 2. He set 
out for Lake George Thursday July 4. and arrived on Sunday July 7, 
marching sixty of the seventy miles on foot. At first his command 
camped about 3 miles from Ticonderoga, but very shortly after removed 
to a point just under the walls of the fort. During his service at Ticon- 
deroga occurred the skirmish at Three Rivers, reconnoitring expeditions 
in August, during which Brig. Gen. Gordon was killed, and the repulse 
of a reconnoisance by the enemy in boats. Major Hausegger hav- 
ing been appointed Colonel of a German regiment, Capt. Frazer was 
appointed Major by Gen. Gates in Hausegger's place in September. The 
engagement at Crown Point took place Saturday Oct. 12. and on Sunday 
Oct. 13. the 6th Pa. Battalion left Crown Point and arrived at Ticonder- 
oga. Monday Oct. 28. fourteen flat boats of armed men of the enemy 
came in sight but soon retreated. The Americans retreated from Crown 
Point Saturday Nov. 2. Tuesday Dec. 4. Col. Frazer was sent by Gen. 

ii 



Wayne to Philadelphia with despatches for Congress, which he duly de- 
livered. 

*777 

From his arrival in Philadelphia 111 the middle of December 177(1 
till Tuesday \pril [5. 1777. and somewhat later, he was engaged in re- 
cruiting duty. May 6 he was in command at Chester, Pa. 

Saturday June 7. lie armed at Mount Pleasant (near Bound llrook 
N. J.). Monday June jj with Wayne's division oi 500 Riflemen the 
enemy was pursued from hill to hill and finally driven completely back 
near New Brunswick. Saturday July 5 lie was ai Morristown X. | ; 
Friday July [8, at the Cloves, < (range County X. V. : Tuesday July 29. at 
Howell's Ferry (now Stockton 3 miles from Lambertville ; then called 
Coryell's Ferry X. J.); Wednesday Aug. 13. at the i'r.»> roads Bucks 
Co. Penna. (now called 1 lartsville 1 ; Thursday and Friday Aug. _>i & 
22 at Graeme Park, Horsham township. Montgomery county, Pa.;Thurs- 
day September 4. in camp near Wilmington, Del. Between this date and 
the next paper in his (now my) collection the battle of Brandywine had 
been fought (Thursday Sept. 11.) and lost. & Major Frazer had been 
captured (Tuesday Sept. (6. 1 by the British troops while on scouting 
duty in Aston township Chester (now Delaware) County Penna. 

Sunday Sept. 28. he signed his parole in Germantown. Tuesday Oct. 
7. lie was closely confined in the State House. Thursday Oct. 9. he sent 
a letter by his wife to Washington which had an important consequence 
in causing the latter to re-open negotiations with Gen. Howe which ulti- 
mately were successful in renewing the cartel for the exchange of prison- 
ers, and in effecting the release of Gen. (.'has. Lee on whose account ex- 
changes had been abruptly stopped for nearly a year: 1. e. since Gen 
Howe, upon Lee's capture at Basking Ridge Dec. 13. 177''. had refused 
to exchange him on the ground that he was a deserter 1 sec page [68. 1 \t 
the end of December he was removed to the "New 1 ioal." 1 S.E. comer of 
6th & Walnut Street Philadelphia). 

2778. 

About Tuesday Jan. 20. 177S he was allowed to occupy lodgings 
in the city. Friday Feb. 28. he was sent with others to the Golden Swan 
inn which was guarded like a jail. Monday March 17. (St. Patrick's 
day) he escaped and made his way to the headquarters of Washington 
to whom he recounted the circumstances of his escape, and was im- 
mediately returned to duty as Lt. Col., frequently in command of the 
5th Penna. Regt. owing to the numerous absences of Col Johnston 
from ill health. Sunday June 28. 1 77S ("a day ever to he reniem- 
ber'd by Americans") he did honorable service at the battle of Mon- 
mouth, commanding his regiment and, according to family tradition, dur- 
ing part of the action, the brigade. Tuesday June 30. with his command 

iii 



lie was at Englishtown Monmouth Co. X. J. ; Thursday July 23 at Green- 
wich Conn. On Sunday July 26. the army was encamped at White 
J 'lams and remained there until Monday October 2. 1778. the approxi- 
mate date of the presentation of his resignation from the army, which 
was accepted Friday Oct. <). by the Commander in Chief. 

i/79 

Thursday |uly 15, Congress appointed him Cloathier General, 
which office he respectfully declined. 

August, September, and October, some historians of the Revolution 
have reported him with Sullivan's expedition. This will be discussed be- 
low. 

Friday October 15. 1770. General Joseph Reed President of the Su- 
preme Executive Council of the State tendered him the office of Adjutant 
General of Pennsylvania which he also declined. 

1780 

Monday April 1. 1780, he was appointed, by the Supreme Execu- 
tive Council of Pennsylvania, Commissioner of Purchases for Chester 
County, which office he held for a short time — (see address of letter. 
top of page 301 ) — but subsequently resigned. 

1781 

March 22. 1781, he was appointed Treasurer of Chester County. 
Oct. 15. 1 78 1, he was elected from Chester Co. to the General Assem- 
bly of Pennsylvania. 

1782 

Saturday May 25. 17S2, the Supreme Executive Council of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania appointed him a Brigadier General of 
the State of Pennsylvania. 

October 12. 1782, he was re-elected from Chester Co. to the General 
Assembly of Pennsylvania. 

178.S 

Saturday April 25. 1785. He set out with Col John Bayard and 
( ol. ( leorge Smith, by order of the Assembly, as one of a commission to 
investigate the dissensions in the Wyoming region caused by the conflict- 
ing claims of Connecticut and Pennsylvania to the territory. 

1786 

Wednesday March 1. 1786, David Rittenhouse, Treasurer of the 
State of Pennsylvania, appointed him an inspector of the paper then 
being manufactured for the Commonwealth's use by "Mr. Wilcocks." 

Friday June 16. 1786, the Supreme Council of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania appointed him one of the Justices of the County Court of 
Common Pleas u'ur seven years). 



Saturday April 8. 1786, he was appointed Register of Wills and Re- 
corder and held these offices till liis deatli un Tuesday April 24. 1792. 

The Sullivan Campaign. 

In the journal of the Military Expedition of General Sullivan against 
the Indians in the Wyoming valley in the summer of ijjy), published 
officially by Frederick Cook Secretary of State of New York, Auburn 
X. V. 1887, there is on page 315 a Roster of the ( >fficers of the expedi- 
tion, in which, immediately after the names of the Major General Com- 
manding, his Aides de Camp, and Col. Cornelius Sheriff, Deputy Quarter 
Master General, occurs the name of "Lt. Col. Persifor Frazer Deputy 
Commissary General." 

It is a coincidence that from June 8 to October 1770 there have been 
found no documents hearing Col. Frazer's signature, though he was ap- 
pointed by Congress "Cloathier General" July 15, ami Win. Henry 
writes him to come to breakfast in Philadelphia the day before. He 
may have been absent when these communications arrived; or may haw 
acknowledged and replied to the appointment much later, though the 
suggestion below is more likely. 

In Col Frazer's letter to his wife (Fredericksburg Oct. ->. 1778) he 
says "I cannot leave the army whilst there is a probability of Action — 
but I am of the opinion we shall have little or no fighting this Fall." 
This opinion was justified by events, and the campaign of [778 & 1779 
in the north were little more than desultory skirmishes, with the excep- 
tion of the brilliant storming and capture of Stony Point by < ren Wayne 
July 16. 1779. Gen Sullivan had probably met Col Frazer during the 
Ticonderoga campaign, at Brandywine, Monmouth, in the marches and 
countermarches in Xew Jersey, and at White Plains. Col Frazer had left 
the army in the belief that there would be no more battles, but that the 
British would be gradually starved out of Manhattan Island & Rhode 
Island (the only two places they still retained ) ; and it is inherently prob- 
able that when he heard of the splendid achievement of his friend and 
commander he would offer his services to Gen Sullivan as the shortest 
road to active service, and that Gen. Sullivan would gladly offer him 
the post of Deputy Commissary General for the Wyoming Campaign. 
The fact that the command was cut off from all communication with its 
base from the time it entered the hostile zone of the Susquehanna valley 
until it emerged at Easton October 17, would account for the absence of 
any communication from Col Frazer. 

On the other hand I have been unable to find a tradition of any kind 
indicating Col. Frazer's participation in this expedition; or any souvenir, 
or note of his relating to it. The sketch of his memorial to Congress 
declining its appointment of "Cloathier General" is without date, but 



iii all probability was received by Congress within a week of his appoint- 
ment mi July 15, since James Wilkinson was appointed July 24. 1779. 

In [894 I wmte tn Mr Charles P. Greenough, who is an eminent 
authority on the Sullivan campaign, and received from that gen- 
tleman the following note in answer to one of mine inquiring the author- 
ity for the entry of Col Frazer's name in the above Roster. 
Charles P. Greenough 39 Court Street 

Counsellor at Law Rooms 22 and 23 

Boston, January 31st 1894. 
"Dear Sir 

Your favor of Dec. 30, * * * reached me a day or 
two ago. 

1 have been looking over the various documents from which I prepared 
the roster of Sullivan's Expedition & find in its earlier stages that the 
name of your ancestor was not mentioned, & I also find no memoranda 
showing why or when it was added to the list. My impression is that 
the Rev. Mr Craft the writer of the Waterloo memoir added a number 
of names to my list & that Lt Col. Frazer's name was one of them. 

1 am sorry that I can not give von any information on the subject, but 
I think you had better write to Mr Craft whose address I do not know 
hut it can he ascertained at the Sec'y of State's office N. Y. or from the 
Waterloo Hist. Soc. at Waterloo N. Y. 

Very truly 

Charles P. Greenough" 

In answer to a letter written by me to the Rev. Mr. Craft I received 
the subjoined reply. 

Angelica, N. Y. 
December 17. 1906. 
"Dear Sir: — 

In the preparation of the book of the Sullivan Expedi- 
tion Hon. C. P. Greenough of Boston undertook to furnish the roster of 
officers connected with that Expedition and gives the name of Lt. Col. 
Persifor Frazier as Dep. com. General. — see page 315 

The name of an officer of so much importance I have no doubt is cor- 
rectly given. I borrowed the printed copy of Gen. Sullivan's "Order 
Hook" where as I remember is a roster of the officers of his staff — 
these are frequently mentioned in Orders. As you are in Phila. you will 
probably find the book in the Penn/a Historical Society rooms, as well 
as the Sullivan Expedition in which are all the diaries extant of that Ex- 
pedition where are incidentally mentioned the names of many officers. 

I am very sincerely yours 

David Craft" 

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania does not possess Gen. Sulli- 
van's Order Book, nor is there any mention of Col Frazer's name in any 

vi 



papers of the Sullivan expedition in Col. Hubley's < >rderly book, nor in 
any other document which it possesses, nor in the Orderly Book by an 
other great-grand father of mine, Major John Eiollinshead, who served 
through the campaign in the 3d X. J. Regt. : though, n> be sure, he men- 
tions the General Officers, the Dep. Com. included, only by their titles. 

( )n January _'_'. [907 I again wrote to VIr Greenough, informing him 
of the substance of the letter just quoted and repeating my request "t 
thirteen years ago for information. 

In a reply dated Boston Jan. 23. 1907 he regrets his inability to search 
for the data owing to his immediate departure for an absence of >ix 
weeks, but adds "1 can only snv now that I had the authority "I some- 
body who was presumed to know for putting lien. Frazer's name on the 
list".— 

Dr J. VV. Jordan the librarian of the Historical Society of Pennsyl- 
vania to whose kindness I owe many valuable notes, has examined the 
Orderly hook of the German Regiment while at Wyoming, and Tioga, 
the Society's Wayne MSS from May to Aug. [779 1 which would not be 
likely to contain any allusion to Sullivan's staff), and the Hand MS in 
which is a letter from R. L. 1 loopes introducing Alexander Steel "Issuing 
Commissary General." But this latter fad is not inconsistent with the 
appointment of a "Deputy Commissary General" late in July to accom- 
pany the expedition while the Commissary General remained at the base 
of supplies. In fact it is just the kind of office which would have been 
available for a General about to take field to offer a friend who sought 
active service. So that the uncertainty is not relieved. 

This then is the present very unsatisfactory state of the question as 
to Gen. Frazer's participation in the Sullivan expedition of the Summer 
and Fall of 1779. I am entirely unable with my present light to decide it. 

I cannot believe that such careful historians as Messrs Greenough, 
Craft and Cook could be led into the error of placing on the pages of a 
carefully prepared official memoir the name of an American Officer with 
his rank, titles, and unusual first name, correctly given, unless then- 
authority were indisputable. The fact that Col Frazer was then out of 
the army prevents the solution of the problem by recourse to the official 
army orders, though his services might have been accepted by Gen. 
Sullivan; and the news of the storming of Stony Point would have 
been most likely to stimulate him to volunteer, lie always speaks of 
Gen Sullivan in his letters with implied admiration and it is likely 
that the two men understood and respected each other. Again the 
absence of writings by Gen Frazer (but not to him) from July 1770 is 
extended over a longer time than at any other period of his history since 
1765. It is true we have no account from his pen of the battle of 
Brandywine as we have of the battle of Monmouth, but that is certainly 
because he was in the neighbourhood of his own home during the battle 
and for the few days which clasped before he was captured. Neverthe 

vii 



less we have quite a number of letters preserved both from and especially 
to him at this time and subsequently including the entire period of his 
captivity. From June 8. 1779 there is not a line in my possession from 
Gen Frazer to which a date can be ascribed before Aug. II. 1780, al- 
though several undated and unsigned rough drafts of documents which I 
have printed must have been written in the Fall & Winter of 1779. This 
is to a certain degree confirmatory of his absence. 

The objection to accepting it as satisfactory proof is extremely strong 
though entirely negative. It is the absence of the faintest suggestion in 
any letter or conversation or tradition of the family that Gen. Frazer 
served in the Sullivan campaign against the Indians. In view of the 
fact that his wife and daughters and friends piously sought to preserve 
every detail of his life and deeds, and that no word of such an episode 
has come down, seems to me a very strong reason for not accepting it 
as a fact without further proof. 

It would be the grossest injustice to a record so honorable were his 
editor to permit anything to appear, about the accuracy of which there 
could exist the slightest doubt or suspicion. 

Consequently I have excluded the story from the memoir, but I have 
not felt justified in excluding it, with the above sufficient explanation, 
from the preface. 

Prejudice against New Englanders. 

In reading over the following pages while they were passing through 
the press I was much interested to note in parts of the correspondence 
during 1776 repeated allusions to the distrust of the New England people 
and troops on the part of the inhabitants of Chester County. A very 
slight search was needed to show that this feeling pervaded not only all 
Pennsylvania but the Southern Colonies as well. It is not unusual in 
large countries where the means of intercourse are restricted, to find sec- 
tional prejudices, but in this case the cause is clearly indicated in the 
correspondence just mentioned, and as I had not before seen so important 
a matter alluded to in the histories of the Colonies I submitted the facts 
to Professor J. B. McMaster whose note will be found below. 

As I interpret it, this unfortunate dislike and lack of confidence was 
largely due to the greater impatience of the New England people to 
throw off their allegiance to Great Britain, and the predominating in- 
fluence in Congress which enabled them to force the hand of their col- 
leagues before the latter were entirely ready to declare their independ- 
ence. Not that the other Colonists were less willing than their brethren 
of the North to assert their rights, and to pledge their lives their for- 
tunes and their sacred honor on the outcome, but the provocations with 
them had not been so acute, and time was needed to teach the people as 

viii 



Franklin put it, that if they did not hang together they would hang sep- 
arately. The impatience to declare and achieve independence led the 
New Englanders to override the other Colonies in Congress; this led t<> 
the suspicion that they were seeking the dictatorship of the new political 
union in case of the success of the American arms, a misapprehension 
which was heightened by the employment of New England troops to 
guard Congress during its deliberations.* The feeling of distrust ap- 
pears in several places in tin- correspondence. 

Captain Frazer on his arrival at Long Island in May 1 77<» first met 
the Xew England Troops, who did not reach the high standard he had 
ascribed to them in his imagination. This disappointment was deepened 
two months later when he met considerable numbers of them at Ticon- 
deroga. 

It is evident from his comments that he always kept in view the popu- 
lar anxiety lest they subjugate the other Colonies, for he says in a letter 
to his wife Aug. 6 1776 "you may inform all your acquaintance not to 
he afraid that they will ever conquer the other Provinces (which you 
know was much talked of)" * * * 

His wife writes to him at Ticonderoga from their home in Chester 
County Aug. 2J. 1776 * * * "the people seem middling well re- 
conciled to independency, hut very much fear the heavy taxes which are 
to come upon us, but above all they fear the New Englanders should the 
Americans gain the day" * * * 

His sister Anne writing to him at about the same time says 
* * * "I am sorry the Yankees merit no better character than you 
give them, and Mr Jones harbours no better opinion of them than von 
do. I would not for the world that it was known amongst our lories 
here. There would be no living among them" * * * 

1 am indebted to Prof. John Bach McMaster for the following note 
"The sectional jealousy displayed in Congress and out is touched 
on in a general way by most historians of the Revolution, but no 
such specific statements as you cite are made by them. 

"Benjamin Harrison says the Yankees ruled as absolutely in Con- 
gress "as the Grand Turk in his Dominions (Oberholtzer. Robert 
Morris p. t,~). "The Force of their arms" says Rutledge, "I hold 
exceedingly cheap, but 1 confess 1 dread their overruling influence 
in Council. I dread their low cunning * * *". (Joy, cor- 
respondence & Public Papers Vol I, p 6" 1". 



(*Dr. J. \V. Jordan cites an original manuscript of John Etwein from the archives 
of the town of Bethlehem in which he says he has been informed that during one or 

■more sessions of Congress at Philadelphia in 1775. ii was protected by a regiment of 
New England Troops.) 

ix 






It has been my aim to make the index as full as possible. An index is a 
necessity to any book of serious purpose to enable one to find what he 
wants with the least loss of time, but it is a more than ordinarily needed 
appendage to a book of the desultory character of this one; yet in my 
desire to place within easy reach whatever may be of interest to one who 
consults it I may have only slightly mitigated the difficulty of find- 
ing a fact by the very redundancy of the index; in which case I ask the 
pardon of the reader, acquittal of the suspicion of overestimating the 
value of the memoir, and plead good intention to extenuate the fault. 
Basing my plan for the index on the assumption that names of people, 
even without facts associated with them, are of prime importance in 
genealogical works, because the presence of a name, even in the vaguest 
connection in one memoir, may throw much light on a part of the 
history of the person for whom the name stands in some other; 1 
have tried to note in the index by page-numbers every occurrence of 
every name in the body of the text with the exceptions of the subject of 
the memoir, his family, and the subjects of "remember me to," &c. when 
such persons have been elsewhere mentioned. A large number of the 
common nouns in the text are also indicated by page in the index when 
they have more than usual interest, and finally the subjects treated have 
been noted there so far as this was practicable. Altogether there are 
3582 references for the |o6 pages, which makes an average of nearly 
nine per page. The \v< irk has been carried on in the midst of a press 
of professional work, and largely owing to this fact many of the shorter 
documents, and many notes explaining or amplifying the text, were made 
after it was in type, and therefore too late to add citation marks. Con- 
sequently it has been necessary to put these documents and notes into 
an appendix with the numbers of the pages on which these reference 
notes should have added. A good reader will always consult the 
table of errata and make the changes in the text in accordance with it 
before reading a book — ( provided it is his own ), but before attempting to 
read this book I request the reader to mark pages 14, 16, 17, 39, 41, 42, 
45, 58, 64, 70, 148, 151, 152, 157, 162, 171, 175, 181, 182, 184. 185, 
189, 191, 192, 193, 213, 238, 355, and 371, as having explanatory or 
supplementary notes in the Appendix. 



Explanation of Marks Used in the Text. 

As in Volume I, letters following an inclined line (/) in an abbreviated 
word were written above the line in the original. 

Small type (eight point) printed above the line indicates writing 
which in the original has been stricken out but remains legible. 

The same type on the line, is used for editorial comment to distinguish 
it from the text. 



Errata. 

I 'age 14. 8th line from the foot. For "Jannuary" read "January." 

■e 18, 1st line. For "June 4. 1763" read "June 4. 1762." 
Page 33. 17th line. For "A< il'F.CKHEEK" read "AGUECHEEK." 
Page jo. paragraph 4. For "July 5, 1770" read "July 25. 1770." 

2d line. For "Dan — " read "Dav/d." 
Page 63, 3d paragraph, 3d line. For "green" read "Green." 
Page 71. 3d and nth lines. For "Frances" read "Francis." 
Page 100, heading of letter to Morton. For "about July 25" read "July 

31." The two lines should be transposed. 
Page 130, y\ line of letter of Nov. 16. For "Evenings" read "evening." 
Page [51, 1st line. For "Wednesday" read "Tuesday." 
Page 151, date of second letter. For "Thursday" read "Wednesday." 
Page [52, above date of Utter Aug. 21. For "Friday" read "Thursday." 
Page [52, above date of letter Aug 22. For "Saturday" read "Friday." 
Page 153. above date of letter Aug 29. Add the word "Friday." 
Page 153. above date of letter Sept. 4. For "Friday" read "Thursday." 
Page 154. above date of letter Sept. 5. For "Saturday" read "Friday." 
Page 171, 4th line. For "30th" read "3d." 
Page 172, 8th line from bottom. For "Md." read "Va." 
Page 188, strike out line above letter at foot of page. 
Page 206, 1st line. For "July 21. 1779" read "July 21. 1776." 
Page 207, 2d line. For "Intelligiable" read "Intelligable." 
Page 209, 6th line. For "hunble" read "humble." 
Page 224, 4th line from foot. For "Bonde" read "Boude." 
Page 334. 3d and 4th lines transposed. 

Page 342, 5th paragraph. For "July 28. 1788" read "July 29. 1788." 
Page 345, ^\ line. For "Lws" read "Laws." 

Page 378, 2d line from bottom. For "W. II. Graham" read "H. H. 
Graham." 

xi 



CONTENTS 

Preface i 

Contents xii 

Chapter I (1736 to 1776) 3 

Chapter II (The year 1776) 78 

Chapter III (The year 1777) 137 

Chapter IV (The year 1778) 175 

Chapter V (Military papers and correspondence) 201 

Chapter VI (1779 to 1792, inclusive) 291 

Appendix (Supplementary documents and notes) 373 

Genealogical tables 407 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

1 . Coat of Arms Fly leaf 

2. Mrs. Mary Worrall Frazer Frontispiece 

3. Commission as Captain 78 

4. Two enlistment papers (privates) 80 

5. Enlistment paper of George Warren 138 

6. General Orders of General Schuyler 138 

7. General view east from the Frazer house, Thornbury, ( 1893) . . 155 

8. South angle of the Frazer house, Thornbury, ( 1893) 157 

9. North angle with the site of the former garden, (1893) 158 

10. East side of the Frazer house, Thornbury, ( 1893 ) J ^° 

11. Kitchen of the Frazer house, Thornbury, ( 1893) 162 

12. Washington's letter to Lt. Col. Frazer 172 

13. Lord Stirling's pass to Mrs. Frazer 173 

14. Commission as Lieutenant Colonel 174 

xii 



15- Note by W. H. Ferguson, Commissioner of prisoners 178 

[6& 17. Lt. Col. Frazer's account of his escape from prison 180 

18. Acceptance of liis resignation on the back of his commission as 

Lieutenant ( > >1< »nel 200 



tg 



Map of Ticonderoga, possibly by Gen. Wayne 217 



jo. Parole signed by Lieutenant Colonel Frazer 234 

21. Part of a letter of Elias Boudinot to him 246 

22. Orders signed b) Baron de Kalb 253 

j$. Letter of General Anthony Wayne 263 

24. Commission as Brigadier General of Militia jjj 

25. Arms formerly belonging to General Frazer 283 

26. Epaulette formerly belonging to General Frazer 286 

2/ & 28. Military Chest of General Frazer 2^7 

29. Appointment by David Rittenhouse 329 

30. Commission as Justice of the 1 'eace 33 1 

31. Snuff Box of Sally daughter of General frazer \o6 



Xlll 



CHAPTER I 

The period from 1736 to 1776 



Persifor Frazer was horn in the night between the <)th and ioth of 
August 1736 in the farm house in Newtown township Chester County 
Pennsylvania which his Father had acquired shortly after reaching 
Philadelphia from Ireland in the previous year on Sept. 28th. It is 
probable that his mother may not have been equal to the cares im- 
posed upon her in taking charge of a farm house in a new country at 
that period of her life; but whatever was the reason, her husband re- 
moved his residence permanently to Philadelphia shortly after the 
birth of his first child. 

1 here are likely to be records in existence which will throw light 
on the early education of Persifor, but as yet none have been found 
among the lists of scholars at the schools of that time in Penn's city. 
There is apparently good reason to believe, however, from the char- 
acter of his various writings both as to matter, composition, and chi- 
rograph)', and from the testimony of those who knew him which has 
come down to us, that the boy was carefully taught and trained. 
.Among his other accomplishments, less common then than now, was 
an acquaintance with the French language: but whether this was 
acquired in his school days or later is conjectural. At the time of his 
military service when he was in middle life, he owned a small library 
of French books (1777). 

\t the close of his school years and probably early in his life he 
and his next younger brother Robert were associated with their 
Father in commerce with the West Indies, and with ports of the 
Southern American Colonies. In [763 the brigantine Ranger, bought 
in St Eustatius on a/c of the firm by Robert who went on her as mas- 
ter, sailed for Charleston, South Carolina, with a consignment of 
rum and salt, but was never again heard from. 

The correspondents of the Frazers in Charleston were Torrans, 
Rang and Co. ; and in the West Indies, Samuel Osborne of the Barba- 
does. 

The character of some of the transactions in this trade may be 
guessed from a short note addressed to "Mr Plumsted," endorsed on 
the back "For Benjamin Lightfoot Phila" which will be found further 
on. 

3 



Before beginning the actual history as shown by the existing family 
papers, the Editor permits himself a slight digression to record in 
their proper chronological sequence certain facts relating to two per- 
sons afterwards connected by marriage with General Frazer, the sub- 
ject of this volume. 

The Frazer and Taylor families became so closely associated 
through his marriage with Mary Worrall Taylor in 1766 that the fol- 
lowing minute of the Concord Meeting which relates to her uncle, and 
was adopted when her future husband was only seven years of age, may 
be pardoned, if only to partially fill a period of which no authentic in- 
formation is at hand concerning the iron master, soldier, and justice. 

Mary Worrall Taylor's Father was an iron master and land owner. 
His Father was Dr John Taylor a physician and surveyor (See the 
Harris Ancestry p. 40 by Jos. S. Harris). Her Mother's Mother was 
Sarah Goodwin, daughter of Thomas Goodwin, who emigrated from 
England in 1708. Sarah Goodwin Taylor like her Father was a 
Quaker preacher. She died in Cork while on a mission of mercy to a 
district of Ireland scourged by small pox, having taken the disease. 

The minute relates to her uncle, Isaac Taylor the son of John Tay- 
lor and Mary Worrilow (Baker); who married Helena Stephenson 
in 1743, and died (it is to be hoped not on account of the meeting's 
censure) in 1745. 

(From the original paper in possession of Dr. I. W. Riley) 

5/thday of 7/ber 1743 

At a monthly Meeting held at Concord Meeting house the 
5/th day of 7/ber 1743— 

Whereas Isaac Taylor having been brought up amongst us the 
People called Quakers but for want of a due regard to the rules 
Established amongst us and was Married out of the way ap- 
proved and alowed of by ff/rds, and useing some words and Cus- 
toms that is Contrary to the rules Established among us as puting 
of his hat and bowing by way of Complyment and Saying you 
to a Sengle person and pleading for Such practices he being 
Several times friendly Treated with in order to bring him to 
Sence of his Error but Could not be proveld upon to make Sat- 
isfaction 

he not appearing at our Last Meeting but informed us by 
writing that he could not give us any other — Satisfaction that 
what was Contained in a paper formerly given which this meet- 
ing Cannot take for Satisfaction — 

Therefore this meeting thinks it necessary to Testifie against 
him and do declare the s/d Isaac Taylor to be no member (in 



unity) of our relegious Society untill he from a Sencc of His Error 

do make an Acknowledgment that shall be to the Satisfaion 
of this meeting which we desire he may — 
Signed in and on behalf of 
our Said Meeting by 

Assembly 

Jeremiah Starr 778 

James Gibbons 769 

Tho Chandler 760 

Jos Harvey 736 

Sam/1 Sevy 736 67 | 

Jos Pennock 571 

Geo Ashbridge 505 

Francis Yarnall 313 



She 

Jno Owen 549 

Nathan Wos 384 

Cor 

Thos Morgan 469 

Jno Hauly 294 

Corny 

Jacob Havel 7 1 1 

Ass. 

Thos Hughes 605 

Joshua Pusey 362 

Aubrey Roberts 364 

Sam/1 Bunting 317 

Jos Mendenhall 316 

Thos Pennell 280 

Endorsed A Testament ag/t one who shall Leave the Meeting. 



The following is the Will of Gen Frazer's mother-in-law, Sarah Wor- 
rell. 
(1750) 

In the name of God Amen. The Twenty Eaigt day of the ninth Month 
anno. Dom, one thousand seven hundred & fifty, I Sarah Worrall of 
Fdgemont Township in the County of Chester in the Province of 
Pennsylvania Being weak in Body but of perfect mind and memory 



thanks be to almighty God and Calling to Remembrance the uncertain 
Estate of this transitory Life and that it is appointed to all Women 
once to Dye whenever it shall please God to call do make Constitute 
ordain and declare this my Last Will & Testament in manner and 
form following - — Revoking and disanulling by these Presents all and 
every Testament & Testaments Will and Wills — Heretofore by me 
made & declared either by Word — or Writing and this only to be 
taken for my last Will & Testament, & none other, and First I give 
& Commit my soul unto almighty God in whom 1 Trust & belcive 
assuredly to be Saved and to possess and Inherit the Kingdom of 
Heaven and I give my Body to the Ground to be buried in a decent 
manner & at such as it shall please my Executor hereafter named to 
appoint and now for the setling of my Temporal Estate (and) 
And such Goods Chattels and Debts wherewith it hath pleased al- 
mighty God to bless me & to bestow upon me I do order give and 
dispose of the same in manner and form following that is to say, 
Imprimis I will that all my just Debts and funeral Charges be well 
& truly Contented & Paid as soon as may be Within Convenient time 
after my Decease by my Executor hereafter Named. Item I give & 
bequeath to my Daughter Eliz/th Salkield the sum of five shillings 
Current money of Pennsylvania to be Paid by my Excd out of my 
P sonal Estate to be paid in one year after my Decease if Required. 
Item I give & devise to my well beloved Son John Worrall the sum of 
five shillings Current money of Pennsylvania to be paid by my Kxcd 
out of my P sonal Estate to. be Paid in one year after my Decease if 
Required. Item I give & devise to my well beloved Daughter Sarah 
Taylor the sum of nine Pounds p. ann to be Paid yearly by my Excd. 
and I do Lave her one Bed & Bedstead and arm Chare and three of 
the Silver Spuns two of the Ne7C> IVons and one o;dd that she i«sed and 
a Warm Pan and Part of my Waring apparell With my Linnen Cot 
What is hereafter menshona* and the Lede Bras milking Pan, and the 
Letle \\ T ach (and) 

And the Big Looking Glass and my Bridle and Saddle and half of 
my Cack Linnin. Item I give & bequeath to my Granddaughter Mary 
Taylor my ChestcroVos and my baby Spim, and my tea Spuns and Tea- 
table and all its furni/or Belonging to it and the Nagor fillis and Hwr 
Children after her mother Dease then all mz<st Retnrn to Hur 
Daughter Mary Taylor Excepted the money Before menend and fur- 
ther I do Give my Grad Grand daughter Two Silver Chane and a 
Simble and Those thing Which is Left Wholey to H»r is to Be Left 
in my Exc/d hand tel the Day of marig or tcl She a Rives to Twenty 
one yars of Eage Which hapens hrrs bot in Case She due before Either 
of them to as hearafter menchend and further to Pay the nine Pound 
W/ch before menched one Hundred and fifty Pounds to be Put out 
of my P sonal Estate to be Put out by my Ex/d and that into her 

6 



own Proper hand — Notwithstanding her Coverture for her own Sep- 
erate and Peculiar use Exclusive of her Husband and wherewith he 
shall in no Wise meddle nor shall the said yearly Sums nor any of 
them be Subject to Ins Debts Disbosal or Incumbrances Neither shall 
the said yearly Sums of nine Pounds nor any of them by her the s/d 
Sarah Taylor or by any (other) 

( Ither Person for her or in Trust by her be assigned over or alienated 
by any Manner of Ways or means from the wses afforesaid and my 
Will, item 1 give & bequeath to my Well beloved Son Peter Worrall 
the sum of fifty Pounds Courent money of Pennsylvania and my Clock 
and my Closepres and my Bed and bedstead and all its furniture 
be Longing to it and two Par of Cotton and Linnen shots and two 
Par of Pillercases and the Litle Looking Glass and the Big arm chare 
and two Letle Chares and the Cane and the Big Bible, and the Big 
pot and my Letle Chest and my Striped Linnen and half of the Cack 
and my mare and two of my Silver Spuns and my Noger Woman Jane 
and my Nager Coffee and the Janey and With all the Linnen and 
Wolling 1 provided for them and thiare Bed and Bedstead. Item I 
give & device to my Well beloved Son Thomas Worrall my Big W,u7/ 
and my Sheep, and my Cow and to:<. r Walnut Chares and a Letle 
Nursing Chare and my Big Cattel and my Big Chest and my Smal 
Striped Bed and my Isaac Ponnenton Buck and two of my Silve Spons 
and my Nager Cwb and my Nager Prwdy, and my Iron Cran and 
further I do Leave my Grand Daughter Mary (Taylor) 
Taylor one Hundred Po;mds after Hur mother deanr if She Shall a 
A'ive to Twenty one Yares of Eagc or tel the Day of ma/g and if She 
Shall die before Either of them then it shall Be Divid Betwen Peter 
Worrall & Thomas Worrall and further I do Lave to my two Sons 
Peter & Thomas Worrall after thiar Sister Deace fifty Pounds to be 
Eaq»le Divid Betwe them, Item I give & bequeath to my Grand- 
daughter Egnis Calkeld my Guld Buttons. Item 1 give & devise to 
my Well beloved Sister Mary James my New Cloth Clook and my 
New Bonnet and Hudcap 1/ I gk'e & devise to my Well beloved 
Sisticr ami Goodwin my Brod Cloth Clook and my whip. Item I give 
& devise to my Well beloved Cosen Sarah Cor my Canlet Clook .and 
my Wos/ed Gone B\u and Wa/ow two of my Evere Day shifts and a 
Cack apron, Item my Will is that all the Residue & Remainder of my 
Estate Right & Property Whatsoever & wheresoever the same Can 
be found after Just Debts & funeral Expences first Payd & y/e above 
Leageses then I say it is my Will the Remainder shall be Eaqually 
devided betwin my two Sons Peter & Thomas Worrall they Paying 
to their Sister Sarah Taylor the sum (of) 

of nine pounds a year Lawfully Currancy yearly & Every year During 
their s/d Sistters Natrall Life and Lasty I nominate & appoint my 
Sone Peter Worrall Whole & Sole Executor of this my Last Will & 



testiment and I doe hereby uterly disalow Revoke & Disanull all & 
Every other former Will Leagesy & bequest by me any way before 
named Willed & bequested Ratifying & Conferming this & no other 
to be my Last Will & Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto 
Set my Hand & Seal the day & year above Written. — 
Signed Sealed published pronounced 
and Declared by the said Sarah her 

Worrall to be her Last Will and Sarah Worrall L :S : 

Testament in the Presence of us mark 

His 

James Black 

mark 

Samuel Oliver 

Philadelphia to wit 

I do hereby Certify that the foregoing 
Is a true Copy from the Original 
Will of Sarah Worrall Dec/d as 
appears of Record Examined & filed 
in the Registers office at Philadelphia 
Given under my Hand & the Seal of the office the 2/d day of June 
1790.— 

Jn/o Matthews D. Reg/r 
Pinned on the back of the will. 
629 . . 12 . . 7 
12 . . 13 . . 2 

39 . . 9 . . o 



681 . . 34 . . 9 
Ex. charges himself in his account with only, the first Sum 

Endorsed Copy 

Sarah Worrall's 

Will 

1790 
fees 13 /I 1/2 



The occupations of Persifor Frazer before the Revolution were those 
of Merchant, Ship owner and Trader with his Father and brother, 
but he gradually became more and more interested in the iron indus- 
try of the colony in which, like his future Father-in-law and the latter's 
Father Dr John Taylor, he was among the pioneers. 

It is likely that this community of interest with the Taylors brought 

8 



them frequently together and aided if it did not originate the attach- 
ment between Mary Taylor and himself. 

The following extract from the Bulletin of the Iron and Steel Asso- 
ciation of Nov. 1887 will elucidate many of the following notes re- 
lating to the enterprises at Sarum and Deep Creek. 

From the Bulletin of the American Iron and Steel Association. 

Vol. XXI. Philadelphia, November 2 and 9, 1887. No. 39. 

Very Early Iron Enterprises in Delaware. 

Deep Creek, or Vaughan, Furnace. 

The time when bog ores were first known to exist in the lower part 
of Delaware, or even in the lower part of the Peninsula, is unknown. 
Furnaces had been erected in those parts of Virginia and Maryland 
lying west of the Chesapeake from the beginning of the eighteenth 
century, but no mention has been made by any writers of iron being 
made in the lower part of the Peninsula until about the middle of that 
century. It was then understood that bog ores were at the head of 
the Nanticoke river and its various branches. The uncertainty of 
titles in the lower part of Sussex county, which was then claimed by 
both Delaware and Maryland, probably prevented capitalists from 
investing money. Warrants in that section had been granted by 
Maryland for land claimed to be lying in Dorchester county in that 
State. The line was first run between the two States in 1763, and the 
land dispute bid fair to be settled. About this time two companies 
were formed for the purpose of erecting furnaces and forges and 
manufacturing iron. 

The first to be established was the Deep Creek Iron Works, lo- 
cated in Nanticoke hundred, on Deep creek, a tributary of the Nanti- 
coke river, and about three miles from the present town of Concord. 
The company was composed of Jonathan Vaughan, David McMurtrie, 
Persifor Frazer, William Douglass, John Chamberlain, and Christo- 
pher Marshall, who built the furnace. On the _'8th of January, [763 
the furnace was evidently in process of construction, as on that date 
Jonathan Vaughan and Co. applied to the proprietors of Pennsylvania 
for a warrant for vacant lands "near their works on Nanticoke river." 
Many of the lands in the vicinity had been taken up on Maryland 
patents, and had been escheated. The application of Vaughan and Co. 
was for 5,000 acres of land on which timber was growing proper for 
use in the production of iron. This was granted, and the land was sur- 
veyed by John Lukens, Surveyor-General. 

On the 8th day of February, 1763, the company bought 299 acres 
in Cedar Creek hundred from Daniel Nunez, sheriff, and on February 
4, 1764, it purchased from Samuel Pettyjohn 150 acres of land in the 
forest of Broad Kiln hundred, lying in Cave's Neck, on the south side 



of Gravelly branch, and on June 29, 1764, it also purchased 100 acres 
from Philip Connoway, called "Pleasant Meadow." 

Jonathan Vaughan is mentioned as an ironmaster, and as coming 
from Ashton, Chester county, Pennsylvania. Persifor Frazer was also 
an ironmaster, and was connected with the Sarum Furnace, in 
Delaware county (Then Chester Co.), Pa. William Douglass was inter- 
ested in a bloomary, in Carolina county, Md., at a place called 
Bloomary, directly west from Bridgeville and about two miles from 
the State line. John Chamberlin was also mentioned as an ironmaster. 

The company, for some reason, was re-organized soon after this, 
and on the 18th of May, 1764, "articles of agreement were entered 
into between Jonathan Vaughan, Persifor Frazer, David McMurtrie, 
William Douglass, Christopher Marshall, William Wishart, and Je- 
mima Edwards, all residents of the Province, for enlarging, com- 
pleting, and finishing the said Deep Creek Furnace and Nanticoke 
Forge." In pursuance of this object nearly 7,000 acres of land were 
purchased, and great sums of money were expended. The Nanticoke 
Forge here mentioned was on a tract of land of 168 acres, being a 
portion of tracts called "Venture," "Brothers Agreement," and "Com- 
pany's Lott," lying at the head of Nanticoke river, on the west side 
of the stream, and in Northwest Fork hundred, about three miles 
west of the furnace, the place being known as Middleford. Its remains 
could be seen as late as 1840. 

The company built a road in a direct line, about four miles in length, 
to the Nanticoke river at a place called "Old Meadow," two miles 
below Nanticoke Forge, or Middleford, and two miles below what is 
now known as Concord, where Deep creek and Nanticoke river united, 
at which place it built a wharf of large stones, three of which are still 
in the vicinity. 

Around the furnace clustered the buildings and dwellings necessary 
for the successful carrying on of the work and the comfort of the many 
wood choppers, colliers, miners, teamsters, and others employed. 
Bog ores were smelted, cast into large plates of slabs and pigs, and 
carried to the wharf where the iron was loaded on vessels of the com- 
pany and shipped direct to England. The metal was named "Old 
Meadow," after the meadow at the wharf. 

The company conducted an extensive business until the breaking 
out of the Revolution, when Chesapeake Bay was blockaded, business 
suspended, and the men employed by the company, as well as those 
at Pine Grove Furnace, at Concord, three miles below, on the same 
stream, were thrown out of employment. 

Mitchell Kershaw and Joseph Vaughan, both of this vicinity, here 
organized regiments of which they became officers. The men readily 
enlisted, and Sussex county soon made up her quota. These regi- 
ments did valuable service during the war. 

10 



At the close of the war the business of the company was so much 
demoralized that but little could be done, and operations were not 
again resumed, and the furnace and the forge gradually went to decay. 
Grist and saw mills and stores had been erected, and they continued to 
do business, and have been replaced by others, which are still in oper- 
ation. In the year 1801 a bill for partition of lands was presented to 
the Legislature, and this bill was passed on January 28, 1802. 

At that time but one of the company, under the article of agree- 
ment of May 18, 1764. was living — William Wishart — and the interest 
in the lands was in six parts and was divided as follows: ( )ne part to 
William Wishart; one part to the heirs of Richard Edwards; one part 
to the heirs of Jonathan Vaughan ; one part to the heirs of William 
Douglass, one part to the heirs of Benjamin, Christopher, and Charles 
Marshall, who received from their father. Christopher Marshall, his 
interest on November 12, 1772; and one part to the heirs of Joseph 
Pennell. To the latter in the division came the Nanticoke Forge tract 
a; Middleford. and the heirs of Joseph Pennell sold it on January 11, 
[805, to William Hufhngton, Jr., and Thomas Townsend. The fur- 
nace lands on Deep creek, with other lands, passed, on August 10, 
1810, from Walter and William Douglass, sons of James and grand- 
sons of William, to General Jesse Green. The other lands passed to 
other parties; and so ended a once prosperous enterprise of the lower 
Peninsula. 

PINE GROVE FURNACE. 

In 1763, soon after the organization of the Deep Creek Iron Com- 
pany, another company was organized, composed of Abraham .Mitch- 
ell, hatter, and Thomas and William Lightfoot, merchants, all of 
Philadelphia; and Walter and Samuel Franklin, merchants, of New 
York. 

This company began the purchase of land in the vicinity of Deep 
creek, and built a furnace, called "Partnership," lying on Deep creek, 
at the place now called Concord. Etc. 

Dr. John Taylor built in 1742 a Forge on Chester Creek in 
Thornbury township where Glen Mills now stand and called it the 
Sarum Iron Works. In 1746 he added a slitting and rolling mill. He 
managed them energetically till his death in t 7 5 ' > when first his son 
(Mrs Frazer's Father), and later Persifor Frazcr carried them on. 

In 1756 the Sarum works had three stacks and was in full blast. 
Almost from the time of the erection of the slitting mill the output 
was nails as well as nail rods, and an agent of the works visiting Eng- 
land at that time informed the Liverpool merchants that he could pur- 
chase nails at Taylor's mill more cheaply than from them. This was 

11 



one of the facts that led to the passage in 1750 of an Act of Parlia- 
ment forbidding the erection of such works in the American colonies. 
When Persifor Frazer left it for the army in Jan. 1776 his wife carried 
on the management in addition to that of the "plantation" on which 
they lived. (Iron in all Ages. Jas. M. Swank. Phila. 1884.) 



FRAGMENTS OF MEMORANDA AND ACCOUNTS. 

"Sir: I have sent you by Robt. moulder two Tuns of bar Iron, be 
pleased to shipp it for Boston, and let the return be made in oil. Loaf 
Sugar, and Rum, or Such other goods as you may think most suitable 
if those can't be had. in this you will extreamly oblige your 

Assured fr/d and very Hble Servt 
tb tb 
April 11. 1751 

To 
Mr Plumsted 

number of Bars 162. 



The person to whom the letter is addressed is not mentioned in the 
above paper, but it is probable that Persifor (then in his fifteenth year) 
was employed in the shipping firm which carried on the trade, and the 
letter was either directed to him or given him to answer. 

Among his papers is a Deed of release of Jean Read to William 
Henry, from claims against the latter as the Father of her child, in 
consideration of the sum of Fifty Nine Pounds. Witnessed by Rob- 
ert and William Thompson May 13, 1755. (See Appendix I) 

Two of his commercial papers are printed below. The first is a 
bond, dated Oct. 4, 1760, between Jonathan Vaughan and Samuel 
Kennedy of Whitemarsh twp Chester Co. Province of Penna., and 
Dennis Whelen, indicating a partnership between them in which Den- 
nis Whelen probably supplied the capital, for the purchase and man- 
agement of Sarum Forge. 

The second is a contract dated Nov. 20. 1769 betweenjon/n Vaughan 
and George Pearce requiring the latter to cut upon his plantation in 
Thornbury Chester Co. Penna. Four hundred cords of good wood 
suitable for making charcoal @ 2/6 per cord. 

A note of Levi Trump of Phila. to Edw. Milner of Whitemarsh 
Chester Co. for £58 and dated March 13. 1761 is receipted for by Edw. 
Milner Oct. 3. 1761 by the payment of £59. to Persifor Frazer. 

There is also a promissory note of Bryan Connelly to Persifor 
Frazer dated Jan 15. 1762 for £37, 10 s. witnessed by David McMur- 
trie and Samuel Mills. 

In his 25th year therefore Persifor was a man of varied affairs. 

12 



Below will be found a letter to him from Samuel Osborne the firm's 
correspondent in the Barbadoes dated Jan 23. 1762 implies by its 
tone that he was the active member of the firm. It is confidential and 
intimate and contains interesting glimpses of the progress of the 
British arms in the Antilles during that year. 

Know all men by these presents that we Jonathan Vaughan of 
Uwchlan Township & Samuel Kennedy of Whiteland Township 
both of the County of Chester & Province of Pennsylvania are 
Held & firmly bound unto Dennis Whelen of the Township of 
Uwchlan aforesaid in the full & Just sum of One Thousand pounds 
Lawfull Money of this Province to be paid unto the Said Dennis 
Whelen or to his Certain Attorney Heirs Executors Adminis- 
trators or assigns for the which payment well & truly to be Made 
& Done we Do Hereby Jointly & Severally bind our Selves ( >ur 
& Every of our Heirs Executors & Administ/rs firmly by these 
presents Sealed with our Seals & Dated the Fourth Day of Octo- 
ber in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven Hundred and 
Sixty 

The Condition of the above obligation is Such that if the above 
bounden Jonathan Vaughan & Samuel Kennedy their Heirs Ex- 
ecutors & Administ/rs & Every of them Shall & Do well & truly 
observe, perforin, fulfill, accomplish, pay. Do & keep all & Singu- 
lar the Covenants Clauses Conditions payments articles Restric- 
tions and agreements which on the part & behalf of the Said 
Jonathan Vaughan & Samuel Kennedy or Either of them their 
or Either of their Heirs Executors or Administrators are or 
ought to be observed, performed, fulfilled, accomplished, paid. 
Done or kept, Mentioned & Comprised in Certain articles of 
Partnership bearing Even Date with These presents & Made 
Between the Said Jonathan Vaughan Samuel Kennedy & Dennis 
Whelen then the above obligation to be Void & of None Effect 

or Else to Stand & Remain in full force & Virtue in Law 

Sealed & Delivered 
In the presence of us 

Rob/t Grace 

Henry Lewis 

Myrick Davies 



Endorsed 



Jon/a Vaughan 
Sam Kennedy 



Bond performance 

Jon /a Vaughan 

D /r Kennedy 

To 

Dennis Whelen 

■3 



Memorandom of Agreement made and concluded upon this Twentyth 
Day of Novem/r: Anno: Domini 1760 Between Jonathan Vaughan 
at Serum forge of the One Part and George Pearce of the Township 
of Thornbury and County of Chester of the Other part Witnesseth that 
the said George Pearce for and In consideration of the Covenants 
and agreements herein after mentioned Doth promise and Oblige him- 
self his Heirs or Administ/r: To Cut uppon his own plantation in 
Thornbury Four Hundred Cords of good marchantable wood suitable 
for Coaling; And to have the said quantity of Four Hundred Cords of 
wood Corded and Ready to be Delivered up to the said Jonathan 
Vaughan or any person appointed by him On the first Day of April 
Next Ensuing the date hereof and to alow free priveledge of Coaling 
and Carring Away the Coales of said wood 

In Consideration of the above Agreements the said Jonathan Vaughan 
Doth promise and Oblige himself his heirs or assigns to pay or Cause to 
be paid unto the said George Pearce or his order the sum of Two 
shill/s. : & six pence p Cord for Each merchantable Cord of wood as 
afforsaid abd that uppon the Delivery of the said quantity of wood 
It Is Likewise agreed that the said Jonathan Vaughan or some person 
Appointed by him shall Attend by said Pearce's Appointment Any 
Time On Or before the said first Day of April Next In Order to Re- 
ceive the said wood And for the True performance of all and singular 
the above Articles and agreements the said parties bind themselves 
Each To the Other In the sum of Fifty pounds Lawful money of Penn- 
sylvania In witness whare of they have enterchangably set their 
Hands & seals the day and year first above Written. 
Sealed & Delivered 

In presense of 
his 
James H Harris [Seal] 

mark- 
Endorsed 

George Pearce 

to 
Jonathan Vaughan 
for Cords of Wood 

D/r Peirce/ Barbados Januuary 23/d 1762 

Your kind favour of y/e 30/th Novem/r is now before me ; your 
friendly services to my relations fill me with pleasure & Gratitude at 
the same time : am only sorry to think I shall not have it in my power 
to make you a proper recompence : in order that Doc/r Jackman 
would not be behind hand with you, I've given up of money in your 
hands belonging to Doc/r Parsons (who does not now intend for 
Philad/a) to him, as it is a dead time of y/e year and he had no 

14 



other convenient way of throwing Money into your hands at present — 
inclosed you have Doc r Parson's Letter being a Copy of one he has 
given to Doc/r Jackman ; he having made a mistake (he believes) in y/e 
other, by making y/e year 6l. instead of 62: my Ans/r I now will pay 
off by an Order, w/h my Mother has promised to give me on Cap/t 
Wilcocks, provided I can spare y e Time to pay her a Visit before this 
goes; but as I am employed in building a Still-house at present and 
y/e Crop nigh hand am fearfull I shall not be able to reach there be- 
fore Rooke sails, which is s/d to be early y/e Day after to morrow 

Doc/r Jackman has promised me to procure you as many Consign- 
ments from his friends as he can — my Endeavors shall not he want- 
ing — Cap/t Trump has entered into partnership with a Young Man, 
that served his time to Mr Eliott, y/e latter is gone down to Mar- 
tinique — as to what Mr. Owen (?) mentioned concerning y/e Houses 
belonging to my Mother 1 cannot say ought about it, as I've not yel 

mentioned it to her 

I congratulate you on your Brother's safe arrival, his loss is con- 
siderable; but a Sailor is never to be concerned or disheartened at 
Dame Fortune's sour looks, the Morrow may be fairer than y/e Day. 
T presume you'l expect something to be s/d concern/i y/e attempt 
now against Martinique, you must make y/e allowance in y/e first 
place that I live in y/e Country ; therefore out of y/e way of News and 
subject, if any, to have it twisted into many different forms &c by y/e 
Time it gets thus far from y/e Metropolis — but the following is from 
Cap/t Hening now on ye Expedition, dated y/e 12/th Inst. "I've 
"nothing to relate. The part of y/e Army I belong to has been hith- 
"erto inactive : but will not be so long forwe sail from hence to Morrow 
"to attempt our main Object. Most (?) (torn) of us have been em- 
ployed against y/e famous Pigeon Isl (torn) little way from hence 
"the success of which, we as yet don't know but it is esteemed very es- 
sential to y/e principal point now we have reports further that 

"on y/e 15th Inst, y/e Nottingha- — alied( ?) & about 4 more of y/e line 
"were ordered up to silence the Batteries on point Negroe they began 
"about 10 oClock and at 7 oClock in y/e Even/g they silenced y e last, 
"w/h was about one Mile in y/e Country — y/e ranger's were then 
"landed & about 10,000. Men. y/e former had not been on shore much 
"more than an hour, w/n they made a Circuit of about three Miles up 
"to y/e Enemies Entrenchments, within a Mile of Fort royal — of 
"which place it is s/d(?) there is some reason to think we are in pos- 
session of by this Time; how true all this is. is another part of speech 
" — not that I make y/e least doubt of its falling." 

Staves is here at £30 p M. I've no rum or would have shipt you 
some — M/r Hunts' paper will by y/e Time this reashes you be in y/e 
hands of y/e reve/d M/r Braithwaite & y e rev/d M/r Boucher y/e 
Money is made pay/1 to them — w/n they collect a sum, it shall be re- 



mitted, as soon as possible — Doc/r Scanlan has wrote word of his 
intending to move in y/e Country & has given six Months notice for 
y/e removal of y/e Boys ; I cannot certainly say whether there father 
intends continuing them in Philadelphia or not — if he does I believe 
that M/r Kenersly will be as proper a person as any — but of that you 
will be duly advised — pray remember me to all friends & when 
I have a better respite from my fatigue, which I natter myself will be 
after y/e ensuing Crops is finished : I'll make ample amends both to 

them and you — and with Sincerity D/r Peirce 

Your Arret : Friend & 
Obliged humb serv/t 
P. S. Sam/1 Osborne 

Please to send me two pounds 
of Garlick — 



July 17. 1762. A promissory note for £34 of John Johnson of 

Philadelphia to Persifor Frazer ditto dated July 17. 
1762. witnessed by Thos. Dicas and John Weaver. 



Nov. 29. 1762. A promis. note for £94. 17. 4. of David M/c- 

Murtrie, Persifor Frazer, Jonathan Vaughan and John 
Chamberlain to Samuel Miles of Philadelphia Mercht 
dated Nov. 20. 1762. Witnessed by Caleb Foulke and 
John Wistar. 



A receipt for £^8(?). 5. 6. to Persifor Fraizer 
from John Vaughan. 



1762 A statement "about the year 1762" unsigned 

(probably in the handwriting of Persifor Frazer) con- 
cerning the agreement of himself. Col. Asher Clayton, 
Capt. James Patterson, and David M/cMurtrie, to joint 
possession of certain lands on the Juniata: the loss of 
the articles of agreement and the conveyance of the 
title by a nephew of Col. Clayton and by Persifor 
Frazer to David M/cMurtrie the son. 



April 16. 1763 

I promise to pay unto Thomas Wiggins or Order 
or to his Assigns the Sum of Six pounds Sixteen Shillings and Six 
pence Current Money of Pennsylvania on or Before y/e iS Day of 

16 



October Next Ensuing Being for Value Received to which pay- 
ment well and truely to be made I Do Bind my Self my heirs Ex- 
ecutors and administrators and Each of them in y/e penal Sum of 
13 pounds 13 Shillings Like lawfull money aforesaid In Witness 
whereof I have heareunto Set my hand and Seal this 16 Day of 
apr/11 one Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Three. 
Witness present Samson Davis 

her 

Mary Jolly 

mark 

Richard Haslam 

Endorsed 

I Sine Over the Within Note to Persifor Frazer it being for Value 
Recv.d as witness my hand this 30 Day of Apr/11 1763. 

Tho/s Wiggins 
Entitled Thomas Wiggins 

x 
Samsom Davis 

Sampson Davis 
his Note 

sued to Nov/r 1764 



The following letter illustrates the hazards of trade with the West 
Indies before the treaty of peace between France and England, signed 
at Paris in 1763, became operative there. 

In the first part of these memoirs (Persifor Frazer's Descendants I, 
pp. 52-)-) will be found the last letter of Robert Frazer to his family 
in Philadelphia, addressed to his brother Persifor and dated Jan. 5, 
1763. He was lost with his vessel shortly afterwards, on a voyage to 
Charleston, S. C, but it could not have been on that commencing with 
his departure from St Eustatius Jan. 17. 1763 as testified to by Cor- 
nelius Lispier, John Harper & Matthias Lukens in the work cited 
above, because Wilcocks mentions in the following letter of June 4. 
1764 that Robert Frazer sailed ten days before (i. e. May 25. 1763) 
from St. Christopher's and was captured and carried into St. Martin's 
(the islands of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico). St Eustatius or St 
Eustache is one of the Dutch West Indies 12 miles N. W. of St 
Christopher (or St Kitts). The capital is St Eustatius or Orange. 

17 



To Mr Persifor Fraizer. St. Christopher's. June 4. 1763 
Sir: your Brother sailed from hence about 10 days past and was 
taken and carried into St. Martin's where He ransomed His Vessell 
and Cargo of £396. o o. The Charges on Bottomrying his Ves- 
sell Here would have been upwards of 20 c/t more So that we con- 
cluded to sell Her and Cargoe at St Eustatius if it was possible to get 
the liberty (From the Security at St Martins for Bringing Her to St 
Eustatius) some of my Friends and myself Wrote Very Strongly in His 
Favour and he is Now about 6 Days gone from hence I expect 
minutely to Hear from Him. With my complm/ts to your Father and 
Mother 

I am 
Sir 

Your rp/o. hum Serv/t 

M. Wilcocks Jun. 

Sir 

The occasion of my adding to what I Wrote you yesterday is to Ac- 
quaint you of my Having received a letter from your Brother desiring 
me to Forward a bill of Messrs Desmount to Halliday and Dunbar for 
£165 — which shall do this day. and he ordered me to credit Him 
for a bill He bot. of me the dra/t of Thos. Webb for £65 ster. which if 
He had given Himself time to recollect He would Have been con- 
vinced it could not be done, as He had endorsed 1. 3 and 4 payable to 
Halliday and Dunbar with a direction for me to Forward them by First 
opportunity and which I did the next day after He left this, By two 
letters of Marque Briggs Bound to Liverpool so that there is 3 Setts of 
exch/a now Forwarded For your Accts Amotg to £403. 7. 11. 

Inclosed is abstract of your Brothers acco/t Balance in my Fav/r 
Ex' For which Have drawn on you in Fav/r of Mr Luke Scanlan £ 
the remainder in Fav/r of Mr John Wilcocks and if your Brother 
thinks I am Intitled to any trifle on acco/t of some limes I had on 
Board as he ransomed, you'l please pay it to the latter Gentn. With 
complimt/s to your Brother who I expect will arrive with you as soon 
as This gets to Hand Ans 

Sir 

Your mo. Hum. Serv/t 

Jno Wilcocks junr 
N. B. the Bill is drawn in 
Favour of Miss Sarah Frank 
for £45., 17., 4 1/2. _ 
(Direction on the outside) 

To Mr Persifor Fraizer 
Mercht in 

Philadelphia 

18 



On the blank pages 2 and 19 inclusive of the almanac next to be 
transcribed, are desultory notes of probably two journeys by 
Persifor Frazer on horseback from Philadelphia which can 
be followed from "Buchanan's" (page 2) which is prob- 
ably Buchanan, Botetourt Co. Va. on the James River. 
Either the idea of entering notes of his itinerary in the little alma- 
nac did not occur to the traveler until he had completed the 
greater part of his journey to "Beezly" (Beasley's Hill N. C.(?)) or 
else the notes were made on some other paper and have been lost. It 
is not possible to locate precisely all the stopping places on his route, 
but the general line is very manifest, and was through Lancaster, 
Wrightsville ; York Pa; Frederick, Md; Harper's Ferry, Winchester, 
Middletown, Staunton, Buchanan, Peaks of Otter, Bedford City (Bed- 
ford Co), Joyceville (Mecklenburg Co): thence across the Roanoke 
River and the Va.-N. C. State line to various plantations unmarked 
on the present maps, to "Major Beezly" probably at or near Beasley's 
Hill Johnson Co. N. C. ; which appears to have been his destination. 

Bearing in mind that at the epoch of this journey the stops were 
made mainly at the plantations of private gentlemen, when not in 
towns, it is interesting to note how many of these land owners gave 
their names to settlements which in some cases afterwards grew to be 
towns of considerable importance. 

Thus Buchanan's is Buchanan, Major Beezly is Beasley's Hill ; 
Mabon's (Mebane), Stephenson's (Stephenson, Frederick Co. Va.), 
Thomas Joyce, (Joyceville) on the Mayho River (Mayo River Va.) 

The return journey was from Beezly's (Beaslev's Hill) (Johnston Co. 
N.C.) to Orange (Orange Co. N.C.). Halifax C.H. Halifax Co. Va. 
(The text would seem to indicate Halifax in N. C. because Houston 
and not Halifax is the County Seat and place of holding court of Hali- 
fax Co. Va. but on the other hand Halifax Va. is directly on the line 
between Orange and Bedford C. H. and Halifax C. H. N. C. is fifty 
miles or more to the Eastward). Next Bedford C. H. (Va), the Peaks 
of Otter, Luney's Ferry (?) James River, (probably Buchanan where a 
deflection must be made along the line of the Blue Ridge though it is 
not mentioned) Staunton, Stephenson, Va. The next recognizable 
entry is York Pa, whence another journey is followed to Beasley's 
N. C. and back again through York and the Chester to Philadelphia. 
The length of the journey was about 475 miles each way or 1900 miles 
for the entire distance ridden. 



19 



THE 

UNIVERSAL AMERICAN 
ALMANAC, 
Or. YEARLY 
Astronomical, Historical, and Geographical 
MAGAZINE. 
Fitted to the Latitude of 40 Degrees and a Meridian of near five 
Hours West from LONDON ; but may, without sensible Error, serve 
ALL THE NORTHERN PROVINCES. 
For the Year of our Lord 1763 ; 
And from the Creation according to prophane History, 5712 

But by the Eastern and Greek Christians, 7 2 7 l 

By the Jews, the Hebrews, and the Rabbics, 55 2 3 

And by the Account of HOLY SCRIPTURE, 5772 

Being the 3/d after Bissextile, or Leap Year. 

CONTAINING 
(More in Quantity, and Greater Variety, than any Almanac of the Kind and 
Price, ever published heretofore.) 

The Motions of the Sun and Moon ; the true Places and Aspects of the 
Planets; the Rising and Setting of the Sun; and the Rising, Setting, 
and Southing of the Moon. 

CONTAINING ALSO, 
The Lunations, Conjunctions, Eclipses, Judgment of the Weather, Rising 
and Setting of the Planets, Length of Days, Fairs, Courts, Roads, Tables 
of Coin, Interests, Expences, Chronology, Distance of Places, etc, etc. 
Together with History, Poetry, useful Observations, solid Maxims, sound 
Instructions, entertaining Remarks, etc. AND, A Table for Buying and 
Selling of Goods, — Table of Interest suited to the Jersies, — Names of 
Postmasters, — Rates for Postage of Letters in America, establish 'd by 
Queen ANNE, and continued to and in the present Reign of His 
Majesty GEORGE III. 



By Andrczv Aguecheek, Philom. 

PHILADELPHIA: 

Printed by and for Andrew Steuart, at the Bible-in-Heart, 

in Second-Street, near Black-Horse Alley. 

Blank page 2. (written in ink and pencil) 
Rec/d from Jn/o Moore. £ 7 . . 8 . 

Feb/y. 16/th 1763 

20 



IO . 2 . . 2 5.2 

9 . 7 . . 6 9.7.6 

Buchanans (Buchanan Botetourt Co. Va.,) 14 . . 8 

Mount Bird 10 Miles 

From Jo/s Nealys to Ja/s Nealys 15 

to Riston's (?) 30miies(?) 

to Smith River 27 

to Harbours 24 

to Joyces (Joyceville Mecklenburg Co. Va.(?) j 

to Peter King 25 

to the Store 7 

to Mendenhals 15 

to Milligans 11 



161 



Major Beezly 7. I. Beezly 3. Cap/t Magees 15. 
to grave's 15. to Orange 25 



Blank page 3. 
From Winchester to Funks 20 miles from thence to Millers 30 miles. 
from thence to Buchanans 30. from there to John Steensons 25. 
from thence to Stanton (Staunton. Va.) 20. at W/m Crows. Major 
Bezely lives at the other Side of the Pole Cat beyond the Hawfields 

Cross T enquire for him at Cap/t Thos, Laws. Luneys 

ferry on James River. Stanton is in Augusta County, enquire for 
Jn/o Nealy at M/r Crows in Stanton. 



Blank page 6, written in ink and pencil) 
W/m Lewis £ 15. . 11 . . — 

Sam/1 Cowey 5. . 16. . — 

40 Pistols 54 . . . . — 

2 Moy dores 4.. 7.. — 

2 Guineas 3.. 7.. 6 

1 1 Carolines 19 . . 10 . . 

81 . . 4 . . 6 



21 



From Beezeley's to M/cGees i5miie B (v 

to Mabons (Mebanesville, Alamance Co. N. C.) 3° 

to Orange 10 

to Squire Lees 30 

to Col Terry's 20 

to Halifax C House (Halifax Co. Va., perhaps Houston) 24 

to Clements 30 

to Bedford C House 18 

to the Peaks of Otter 20 

to Rich/d Reads near the Gap 19 

to M/r Nealeys 9 

to Luneys Ferry James River 15 

to Paxtons in y/e forks 

to Bowyers (torn) 

Stanton (torn) 



Blank page 7, written in pencil and ink.) 
John Reed and Comp/y D/r 
To Cash w/th M/cMurtrie 

To Cash my dividen to pay Thomas 14 . 

To Cash at Surveyors Office for searches and drafts 
To ditto for a Copy of Surveys 
To ditto searches 
To ditto for draft of surveys 
To ditto p/d M/r Brogden 
To ditto for Examples (?) 

To Expences to Cush (?) 3 . 

To Cash to M/r Boy 1 . 

(torn) (for Virginia) 16 . 

(torn) for Horse 27 . 

(torn) 



Blank page 10 (written in ink and pencil) 

at Halls 

Middletown 

Hayes 

halfway house 

Ferriage Brand/w 

Modderrells 

Crawfords 

at M/r Gillespies 1 . 



5 

5 
6 

4 

2 

10 

2 

13 
12 

4 



6 
6 



9 

12(1 



4 • 
9 


. 6 
. 8 


2 . 


. 6 


3 • 


. 10 
. 8 


13 • 


, 10 


7 • 
18 . 


. 10 
. 6 



22 



Mr. Reeds Horse 27 

Ferriage Susquahanna 

Stephensons 

Finleys 

1 1 1 Stephensons 
Archers 9 2 7 8 9 10 13 12 13 14 

York York 2 



for Saddle Bags. 
M/c Callisters . . 



York 



5 • • 7 



1 . . 1 1 



15 • • 
. 10 . 



Swartz's 

Little Pipe Creek (Md.) 

Monocasin 

Ferriage 

Frederick Town 





. 9 . . 2 . 


• 75 




9 • 


. 12 . . 7 . 


. 1 . 


. 


9 


9 929 79 


1 


— 




1 . 


. 10 . 


. 1 



Virginia 

Potomack Ferry 
M/r Masseys . . 



(pencil) Blank page II. 



Purcells 

Shanadore (Shenandoah) 

(ink) 

M/cCulloughs 

To a Clerk for drawing the Writings 1 

To Beezeley 3 pistoles 3 



12 

3 

4 



3 
3 

6 
3 

3 
6 



Winchester (3 Guineas) 3 

Taylor (i| pis/s) 

Washing 

(pencil) 



Strasburg Bowmans 



Funks 

Millers Towns 
Mount Birds 
Buchanans 



18 . 



5 • 

3 • 
1 . 

3 • 
9 • 



■ 9 

. ioi 



6 

3 
6 



23 



Daniel Smith 



(ink) 



Cooks Creek 

Aliens 

Crows (in Stanton) 



at Steels 
Bowyers 
Paxtons 



Blank page 14, in ink) 



Pokes 

Luneys Ferry 

Stone House . , 
James Nealey's 
Jos. Ranfrovvs , 



(in pencil) 



Jones a Smith 

Jeremiah (Dutch man) on Smith River. 
Thomas Harbows on Carolina Line 



Thomas Joyce on Mayho River (Mayo). 



(in pencil) 



Peter King on haw River 



(in ink) 



£2 



Blank page 15, in pencil and ink) 
Carolina 
Peter King haw River 



Store New garden 

Rich/d Mendenhall 

Mordecai Mendenhal 

(in ink) 
Isaac Beezley 



Haines 

To Major Beezly and Isaac Beezly 12 Pistoles 

Cap/t John Magee 1 . 



— • • 4 
11.. — 



12 . 



12 

3 

7 

1 
1 

2 
12 

4 

1 

2 

5 



7 
2 

6 

4 
4 



3 
6 



3 

4 

6 
3 
3 

6 
1 
6 



24 



Acknowledgement u 

( iru\ es's I 

Ferry on Haw River 

Col: Maybens (Mebane) i . . 2 



Childsburg for Certificates 1 Pistole 



4 
8 



for Medicines and Expences 3 . . id . . 6 

Jacksons (in pencil) 16.. — 

"Squire Lees on (pencil) Hico (ink) River (pencil). . . 6 . . 6. 



The Road to Dan 



(in ink) 



£10 



Blank page 18 (pencil and ink) 
Virginia (in pencil) 
Col. Terry's on Dan River 



at Halifax Court House 

at Clements's and on the Road (in ink). . . 

at Clarks on Otter River 

Bedford C/t House 

for Gloves and mending our Cloaths 

at Rich/d Reeds t h e Peaks of Otter 

at Rich/d Reeds 



(in ink) 



For Horse Hire for m/r Reed 3 



• • 7 • 


6 


14 . 


8 


■ ■ 7 ■ 


— 


• • 5 ■ 


— 


■ . 15 ■ 


— 


. . i<; . 


— 


. . 13 . 


3 


. . 10 . 


— 


■ • 5 ■ 


3 



at M/r Nealy s 1 



Luney s Ferry col: Buchanans. . . . 

adley Pauls 

Paxtons 

Jn/o Bowyers 

Steels 

Longs Mill shanadore (Shenandoah). 
M/r M/c Clanaghans 



. . I . 


9 


. . I . 


6 


2 


— 


■ • 5 • 


— 


'2 


— 


. . I . 


10 


. '. 8 .' 


7i 

10 



-5 



7 
6 



Stanton (Staunton) 12 

for a Hank and Physick 12 

Barber 1 

£12 . . 6 

Blank page 19 (in ink and pencil.) 

Shanklands 2 

Smiths I 

Buchanans 7 

For shoeing the Horses etc 6 

at Woodstock 5 

at Funks 9 

at Mill Stephensburg 4 

Winchester for Certificates 10 

for Medicines 4 • • 6 

Expences 2.. 7 . . 6 

5 . . 2 . . 6 

on the road to Harpers Ferry 1 

Old Halls 3 

Ferry and on the Road 9 

Frederick Town 1 . . 4 

(in pencil) 

Pipe Creek 6 . . 4 

Swartz's 1 . . 9 

M/c Callisters 9 

Wilsons 2 

York 8 . . 2 

(in ink) 

wrights Ferry (Wrightsville) 6 . . 6 

Lancaster 14 

Lemens 7 

6 . . 1 . . 6 

The Waggon S . . 6 

Ship 9 . . 9 

white Horse and Unicorn 7 

Holtons and at the Ferry 7 

26 



Blank page 22. (in ink) 
1763 
May 23 Rec/d from M/r Jno. Lees 

Three Pounds and 4/d in full 

June 4/th Rec/d from Sam/1 Young £21 . . — 

June 6/th Rec/d from Sam/1 Finley on acc/t £13 

Receiv/d from Myrick Davis in part 

of his Bond £25 

May 1 8/th 1763 
Paid M/r Hunt on Acc/t of M/r S : Osbornes order 
May 26/th £10 

Rice from M/r Bartho/w 

Credit my 622 . . 69 Acc/t for the Am/t 

571 69 



1 193 

138 


138 

in 9 . . 1 . 

@ 




1055- 
1008 


• 19 

14/ 



£6 . . 11 . . 10 

"@ 14/ 

47 



June 9 Paid M/r Hunt, fifteen Pounds. 



Paid M/r Hunt in the whole £60 . 



Blank page 23. (in ink) 
June 3/d Paid at Jenkins in Co.w/th M/c murtrie, 

and Lewis Walker £ . . 4 



for 

Paid » Lewis Walker for a three 

Gallons Rum, and Cag £ . . 17 . . 6 

10 

paid for Seeds to Dubre £ . . 9 . . 10 
. 15 

John Hook in Second Street near Ant. Morris's 

1/2 Gro: Table Spoons £ 1 . . 1 . . — 
18 



Ja/s Wagstaffe 6 gro : Table Spoons 


£12 . 


. 18 . 


. — 


Paid Jn/o Jerman on account of Vaughan and 
Chamberlain last Winter 


£ 2 . 


. 18 . 


. — 


John Lees to Sundries 


£ i . 


. 6 . 


. 8 



Blank page 26 (in ink and pencil) (in ink) 
Thomas Slos's Bond for £51 . . 16 . . 

Interest on ditto 5 years 17 . . 17 . . 4 1/2 

and 9 M/o 

£69 . . 13: 4 1/2 

Philip Baltzar Cresman 1759 (in pencil) 

Octo 12/th 1 doz: mens wors/d Hose 66/. 
1 doz Snuff Boxes 9/. 1 doz Penknives 6/6. 
1 packet pins 5/6 

Aug/ 17/th (in ink) 

p/d M/r Hunt £ 3 . . — 

Thomas Curtis or W/m Morrison Sep/r 1761 £21 . . 14 . . 11 
Jan/y 29/th 1762 1762 27 . . 7 . . 2 

(in pencil) 

M/r Samuel Osborne D/r to Cash advanced at (in ink) 

Sundrie Times to M/r Isaac Hunt am/tg 

in the whole to £ 60 . . — . . — 



Blank page 27. (in ink) 

Sept/r i/st Paid my Ouoto of M/r Galloways Fee £ 5 . . 6 . . 8 

p/d for writing Deeds . . 8 . . 2 

p/d May iS/th my Ball/ce for sundrie Expences £ 10 . . 2 . . 2 

Sep/r 6 Paid my Ouoto of a purchase of Reeds Part 

of land and other acc/ts to this Day £ 7 . . 5 . . 2I 



Blank page 30. (in ink) 
Sep/r 26/th this Day Drew an order on Samuel West, 
for £13. 14.7. payable i/st Dec/r next in favour of Thomas Browning, 
which is to be charg/d to Iron Works 

28 



Enquire of M/r Kinsey about a Judg/t Bond left in his Hands, by 
W/m Douglas ag/t Edward Wilson, whether he has got the .Money or 
not 

M/r Hall has Credit w/th M/r Harvey Lottery 

Money *59 • ■ 5 • • — 

(in pencil) 
Co/1 Clayton desires me to inform Cap/t Hambright that he 
Expects his Dirk 



Blank page 31. (in ink) 
Sep/r 8/th paid on Acc/t of Land in C/o with 
Asher Clayton £11 . . — . . — 



Jackmans Account in my Old long Ledger in Full 



M/r Harris has been advised to try Cold Water to be pourd on him 

In this manner Viz/t. s — P r He is to be strip'd and 

a person to pour Cold Water out of some Vessell Gently upon him. 

(Variation in the handwriting of this note from the preceding and following) 



Blank page 34, (in ink) 
Aug/t 10/th Iron Works D/r to my Expences and 
M/r M/c murtries to the Works, and mine to 
Baltimore £ 3 . . 19 . . 10 

David M/c murtrie D to Cash lent him to go to 

Pokomoke £ 1 . . 2 . . 6 

W/m Douglas D/r to Cash p/d by Expences going after 

his Lad £ . . 17 . . 8 

Paid Samuel Miles the am/t of his Bond w/th 

Interest for Iron Works £98 . . 6 . . 2 

September 5/th paid Isaac Jones on acc/t 

Iron Works £ 50 

Sep/r 18/th paid M/r Vaughan on acc/t 

of Iron Works £11 . . 5 . . — 

on acc/t of Sam/1 Tribbetts 13 . . 14 . . 7 

£24 . . 19 . . 7 



Octo io/th i . . 1 6 



To Expences with Flanagans down to the works 
a £ 



To Cash paid Flanagan his wages £ 3 . . 3 . . 4 

Blank page 35, (in ink) 
Nov/r 1 1 To Cash paid Thomas Carpenter 
for 1 years rent of Store £ 18 . . — . . — 

Decem/r i/st To Leather, Butter and 

Cheese from M/r Harris £ 7 . . 6.. — 

Earthen Ware 4 . . 1 1 . . 6 

Ballance of Mackrell 12 . . 

1 doz Stockings 4. . — . . — 

1 Cag Butt/r 19 lb a 12/d. Cag 2/6 2 . . 1 1 . . 6 

paid porterage . . 2 . . 9 

Cash to Hinds 1 . . — . . — 

ditto to George y/e Wheelwright . . 7 . . 6 





£ 21 . 


. 19 . 


. 6 


Paid W/m Carson in full for Britches 


£ 7 . 


• 4 • 


. — 


the above Charg/d to y/e Furnace 


John M. Callay D/r to Store for 25 3/4 y/ds 
Broad Cloath a 17/ £ 



Blank page 42, (in pencil and ink) 
John Smith who lives at M/r Ridgely's Works ab/t 10 miles from 
Baltimore. 

Daniel M/c Daniel w/th one Harding living on Hyea pass'd two 
Counterfeit Bills with Thomas Harbour one 20/. and the other 15/ — 

W/m Wilcox formerly a founder at Horvers Works enquir'd for by 
W/m Brooks here 

(in ink) 
Protest enter'd 14/th 1762. Schoon/r 

To buy some Geneva for M/r Elligood — 

30 



Blank page 43, (in ink and pencil) 
Lives this Side the Blue Ridge between Winchester and 
Patowmack, near one David Potts, who can inform — 

Enquire for the Widow of one Pitts, formerly a Silversmith her 
name Mary and now lives in York. 



Enquire for Armstrong and Crawford 

(in pencil) 
W/m Beasly. had a Brother nam/d George and another calld 
Major Beasly, living at Huwarry Creek ab/t 10 Miles beyond 
Pole Cat 

Horse Pasture 12 Miles from Smiths River from Thomas to Cramps 
on May 20 

End of notes in almanac. 



Jan. 16. 1764. A promissory note of John Bugurt to John 

Chamberlain and Com at Sarum Forge for £28. . 3, , 6. 
payable on demand 
Witnesses Jas. Johnson, Daniel Young his mark | — | — |. 



Dec. 18. 1764. A promissory note dated Dec. 18, 1764 as 

follows 

I promise to pay to Persifor Frazer or to his order 
Ninety Pounds Eighteen Shillings, Currency of Penn- 
sylvania being for my Part of the Brig/t Ranger ami 
her Cargoe due to the Estate of Robert Frazer. 
Witness my hand this 18/th day of Decem/r 

1764. 

Benj/n Davis 



Mch. 20. 1765. Received of Mr Persifor Frazer a Bill of Ex- 

change drawn by Trucof Duryee for £ 232 on Abra- 
ham Schemt (?) Esq dated 20/th March 1765 as wit- 
ness my hand Aug/t 1765, in New York. 

James Emott. Not. Pub. 



31 



Apl. 20. 1765. Excch/a for £400 Pensylven/a money Charleston 

S. Carolina 6th April 1765. 

Forty days after sight of this our first Exchange 
Pay Mr Persifor Frazer or Order Four Hundred 
Pound Pensylvenis money Value received and place 
the same to account as advised by 

Torrans Young ( ?) and Co. 
To Mr Thomas Wallace Account 20 Apr. 1765. 

Merch/t In Thos Wallace 

Philadelphia 



Aug. 27. 1765. from Persifor Frazer Forty Pounds, being part of 

Insurance Money recov'd in Carolina 
£40-0-0- 

Benj/n Davis 



Almanac of 1765 with Memoranda of Gen. Persifor Frazer 
(Written in ink, inside first cover) 

Chest p/r David Phillips Waggon in Uwchland to pay 2/. 

84 . . 19 . . 5 
(written in pencil) 
Rob/t Thomas 
Henry Vanderslice 



(Written in ink) 

Samuel Hall ob/t £22 . . 17 . . — 

at the Forge d - and expect to 

be paid by Jacob Thomas of Newtown 
he is remov'd p 



The Universal American 
ALMANACK, 

or yearly 

MAGAZINE. 

Fitted to the Latitude of 40 Degrees, and a Meridian of near five Hours 

West from LONDON; but may, without sensible Error, serve All the 

NORTHERN PROVINCES. 

For the Year of our Lord 1765 ; 

And from the Creation, according to Prophane History, 57 x 4 

But by the Eastern and Greek Christians 7 2 7Z 

By the Jews, the Hebrews and the Rabbies 55 2 5 

And by the Account of HOLY SCRIPTURE, 5773 

Being the 1st after Bissextile, or Leap-Year. 

32 



CONTAINING 
(More in Quantity, and greater I 'ariety, than any ALMANACK of the 
Kind and Price, ever published heretofore.) 

The Motions of the Sun and Moon; true Places and Aspects of the 
Planets; the Rising and Setting of the Sun; and the Rising, Setting 
and Southing of the Moon; Lunations, Conjunctions, Eclipses, Judg- 
ment of the Weather, Rising and Setting of the Planets, Expences, 
Chronology, Rates of Stages, with many other useful Lists and Tables, 
not in any other American Almanack. Together with a very great 
Variety of Entertaining Pieces, 

amongst which are, 
Extracts from a new Work, entitled The Rule of Life. — A Jewish Tradi • 
tion concerning Moses. — The History of Santon Barsisa. — A Dialogue 
between an old drolling Gentleman with a Carbuncle Nose, and his 
merry Tallow fae'd Lady, two excellent Letters from Cicero to his Son 
Marcus. — A Cure for the Bite of a Viper. — For the Ague; etc. — With 
many other wise Sayings, witty Turns, sound Maxims, Etc. 

By ANDREW AGUECKHEEK, Philom. 

PHILADELPHIA: Printed by Andrew Steuart, at the 
Biblc-in-Heart, in Second-Street. 

ist page A cure for the bite of Vipers which recommends the gall bladder and 
fat of the same species rubbed on the bite, (perhaps a precursor of the scrum treat- 
ments of to day.) 

Blank page 2 
Deep Creek Furnace D/r May 6/th 1765 



paid W/m Jenkins on account of John Thomson £ 3 
6 

paid Cap/t Allen on account of the 

Schooner for Wages £24 

paid for Clearing etc 4 

p/d Jn/oFrazer for Goods for the Cap/t and Men 18 

pair Shoes for Free 

paid for Bread 3 

paid for 3 p/r Shoes @ 9/ for 3 Men 1 

1 Tierce Rice 5 . . 3 . . 24 @ 13/ 3 

paid porterage Mellas/s 

paid M /r M /cMurtrie on Ace /t of Molasses 

paid Wharfage 1 2 Days 1 

paid for Candles 

33 



10 . 



!9 

17 

9 

10 

7 
17 

4 

4 

1 



3 

9 

9 
o 

7 
6 

o 

4 



Blank page 3 
May 14/th 1765 Furnace Acc/t D/r 



£ 



Paid to M r Vaughan at the Furnace in Cash 
paid at Turners 

£ 84 . . 19 

June i 9t 

a p 1 Leather Breeches to D Lewis a Workman 



• 5 



Sold 

June 
I5 «> 

July 

4 

6 

Aug 1 
15 



Dec r 6 



paid pilotage of Schooner - 

paid porterage Goods from C and N - 

paid White and Caldwell for 2 R" paper 
p d weig 20 Tons pigs ... 
p d Cap 1 Aliens wife - 

p d for a Hatt for M r Turpin 

paid Intrest due on Bond given to Daniel 

Clark and not before Charged 
paid for a Goose Can - . . 6 . . 

a hair sieve - - - . . 2 . . 

1 Cask Butter 88 lb @ 8 d 2 . . 18 . . 

Cask . . 1 . . 



Blank page 12. 
Serim Forge D r May I st 1765 



Paid Alex r Bensted for 1 hhd of Rum 

bo 1 by Mr. McMurtrie £ 



Expences to Forge and horse Hire 



June 4 



paid White and Caldwell for a forge Hamer 



Aug' 6 
26 
27 



p d for 12 lb Nails 

p d porterage of goods 

p d Expences to forge and horse hire 



Paid M r McMurtrie being money he rec d for 
me from M r Barr of Lancaster 



My Expences to Forge 13/. 

p d for Weighing Iron @ twice 3/8 



p d Jn°. Morton for 36 Bush 9 of Indian Corn 

@ 3/3 £ 



p d M r Dickinson his fee 4 dollars and my 
Expences to Chester and back 8/3 £ 



5 
2 



J 5 
10 



10 . . — 



3 
2 



10 



. 2 



8. . 8 



II . 


. 16. 


. — 




• 7 • 


• 9 


6. 


. 1 . 

■ 9 • 
. 1 . 
. 14. 


. 8 



146 . . 13 

5- • 17 
1 . . 18 



34 



Blank page 13 

Philad a i9 tb Octo r 1765 

Forge Acc t8 
Paid George Jenkins for a Flaxseed Cask 

had last Fall 
(Pencil) 
Sundrys p r Bill of Goods of my Fathers Estate 



For Essington's Freedoms 
2^y d8 Cloath 26/ 

p d Corry for Breeches 35/ 

10"' Jan y 1766 



My Expences to Forge 
6 papers Inkpowder 
paid Billy Massey 
Jn° Thomson a Jackett 
March 1 

My Expences to Forge etc. 



(Blank page 16, written in ink) 



Samuel Hall D r to Forge 
1764 Feb y 9 th To 1 Ton Iron 
Aug. 1 By Cash £ 4 . . 
27 By ditto 4 . . 



70 

2 
I 



£ *5 



6 
6 



5 
6 

18 

1 5 • • " 

12 . . — 

4 . .— 

15 • • — 

15 • • — 

2 . . — 



8 . . 1 . 



£ 16 . . 19. .— 



Serim Forge 
Mar. 10 th To p° W m Thomas his ace 1 at Forge 


£ 


D r 
6. 


10 . 


._ 


April 30. Jn° Frazer 1 Cask Rice @ 14/. 


£ 


5- 
4. . 


• 3 • 
1 . 


. 8 

.y/2 


1 Cask sold by my father to Latham (3) 14/. 


£ 


5- • 
3 • • 


2 . 
IS . 


• 14 

• 9 



35 



(Blank page 20, written in ink) 
May 3 d 

paid VV m Jenkins for a Hatt 
paid John Musser in full for my part of Beer 
and proceeds of his 



£ 2 . . 10 . . o 



72 



Aug. 17 



Rece d from Barbram and Sennox 
in full of a Bill drawn on them 




21 . 


. 16. 


• 4 


paid W m Turner in full for 1 p s Damask 
bo 1 for Jn° Cuthbert 




4 • 


. 10 . 


. 


paid M r McMurtrie for my part of 
Scales and Weights etc. 


£ 


14. 







paid for a Man to carry Horses to Lewis Town 


. 


• 1 5 • 


. 


John Holloway D r to Cash to his 
apprentice from Lewis Town 


£ 




. 2 . 


. 6 


Rec a from W Gibbons on ace' of 
Sam Hamptons Ace' 




1 . 


. 2 . 


. 10 


Rec d from M r Caldwell for Ace 1 of 
John Henderson 


£ 


10 . 


. 6. 


• 5 


Rec" from Rich" Tea in full 


£ 


1 5- 


• 


. — 



Blank page 21 
Aug/t 15/th My Expences to NYork 



£ 5 



P/d W/m Jenkins on Acc/t John Reed p his order £ 2 



5 • 



Sep/r i/st paid John Reed 



Blank page 24 
June 20/th this day paid James Eddy in full of my 
part of of Beezely/s Thomas's and Reynolds 
Land £17 



NB there is 7/9 and M/r M/cMurtries Expences and 
mine up to Abington not yet Creditted to my Acc/t 
it is about 25/, 

Octo 18/th Settled the above and paid My part due 

for Expenc's and Lawyers fees at this Court £ 8 



12 



36 



Blank page 25 
Received June 18/th 1765 from Persifor Frazer 
Thirty Seven Pounds ten Shillings on Account. 



£37- 



10 



John Frazer 



David M/cMurtrie 



Blank page 
Dr 



-7 



Sep/r 



14/th 
19 



25 

28 

Octo. 21 

30 



Cash lent to pay Cap/t Child £ 6 

d/o a Guinea to pay Morgan Busteed. . 1 

To Cash at Littles 

d/o at Jenkins 

d/o aty/r own House 

d/o ball/ce paying Eddy 6 

d/o 4 

10 y/d Callimanco 1 

4 1/4 y/d Cloath 5 

a parcell Bottles and Corks 1 



14 

2 

1 

7 

13 



10 

5 



26 . . 16 
Cash rec/d from Tho/s Lawrence Vondacononcy. 



Blank page 30 (written in pencil.) 
M/r M/cMurtrie 
Nov/r 20 

10 y/ds Callimanco 

4 1/4 y/d Cloath 26/. 

a parcell Bottles 



Blank Page 31 
An Approved Remedy for a Sprain 



Blank page 54 
Received July i/st 1765 of Persifor Frazer Thirty Seven 
Pounds ten Shillings in part. 

John frazer 



6 

4 

6 
6 



Blank p. 55 (written in pencil) 
M/r Emmett Notary Public at the Corner of the Fly Markett next 
the Dock 



37 



Joseph Kings Speech verbatim Viz : My Wife told me that she 
milk'd a Cow for Peter Elliot in Nottingham whose titts drag'd upon 
the Ground and that she gave Three Gallons of Milk in the Morning 
and three in the Evening 



Inside of back cover, (written in pencil) 
Ja/s Wagstaffe 
June 1 8 1763 
6 Gro Table Spoons @ 43/ £12. . 18 . . — 

Sam Smith 
Sam Morris 
Jacob Winey 
Arch/d M/cCall 
W/m Vanderspiegle 



38 



The parents of Persifor Frazer died ; his mother July 5. 17(14, rind his 
Father Sept. 7. 1765. 

Mch. 19. 1766 

Philadelphia 19 March 1766 
Mr Frazor 

Mr Harris come to town that Day you Left it your 
Sisters are Both well his Brother in Law was in town Last week they 
were all well it is very Cold weather heare Pray Come home as Sune as 
you Can your are wanted heare have not as yet heard on word from 
ether the furnes or forg I was last week at the forge they are Doung 
verry well will want Pigs in a few Days Iron the old Price the King's 
Spcch is Come over in Packet I Belive the Samp ack will he Rejected 
January 28 is the Day apointed in Parliment for that mater we are all 
well is all from 

Your asured frend 
Lotrie tickets Davd M/c murtere 

Sold for 28 Pounds Stirl. 
17 Desemhr oures 

in Whell (wheel ') 



Annagola. May the 19th 1766 
D/r S.r 

T now some time ago was feauoured. with the sight of your 
Letter which you wrote to me Martha Willson home ( sic ) is Sister to 
your Deceased mother On which I have now taken this Opportunity. 
by hir Aduise to inform you of hir wellfear. and also, to inform you. 
that I am married to your mother, youngest Sister, named Salley, this 
14 years past and has now Six Children, your An.te Mrs Willson is 
now coming to Liue with me, I am to inform you that I haue been well 
acquainted with your father the Last time he was in Ireland, and Since 
that time I haue wrote many Letters to him, and 1 haue also R e c,e,d 
a good many Letters from him, more — believe than euer he wrote to 
any one friend in. that time in this Kingdom and I must confess that I 
cannot auoide being much Concerned, to hear of the Death of so Kind 
a friend and Relation and I hop in God you will Endeavour to bear 
your many troubles and Defecklites, and with peasions, and Submite, 
your Self and all your arrears, to the Will, and the good pleasure of 
the Almighty God that Knows what are best for us, Now as this is 
my first Letter to you I shall only give you an Account of some of the 
names of your friends, in this part tho, you no Dout have hard of 
them by your Parents. 

You have one Sister of your Fathers Liveing within half a mile of 

39 



me, She was marred to your Mothers Ounkel But he is Deade She has 
tow Sons and one Daughter Liueing with hir there is one Sister of 
your Mothers now Liueing in Duhlin married to one Allen Cook there 
is three Sisters of your Mothers Liueing within half a mile of me one 
of them called Betty is marred to John Greason, and one of them 
called Nealey is marred to John Armstrong, your Aunt Mrs Willson 
is now in Dublin, But will soon be with me in my house, She Beags 
you may write to me and Let hir Know how you and your tow weare 
Leaft in Sirkamstances, and how arrears are going with you, I am at 
preasent in heast for fear of missing this opportunity But shall hear- 
after miss no Opportunity to inform you of your Relations in Ireland 
the Bearer of this Letter is one Edward hughes if he is a Very honest' 
young Boy, if you Sec him if you can be of any Use to him I hop you 
will. I hop I haue no occasion to Request you to write to me as Soon 
as you haue an Opportunity, and let me Know how you and your 
Sisters are, and some of the arrears of your Contrey, for as I often had 
the pleasuer of writing to your father I intend the same with you tho 
indeed for tow years Before your fathers Death I Reec.d no Letter 
from him, tho, I wrote to him But neuer hard of his Reeciuing them, 
which ofTen Surprized me, I hauve Six Children as I tould you Before, 
But only one Son, I hue near Middleton in the County of Monnaghan, 
Mrs Martha Willson me and my wife, all Joyns in our Sincear Respects 
to you and your Sisters, I am Dr, Sir your Sincear and affectioned 
friend — 

William Crookshanks. 

P.S. When you write to me Direact to William Crookshanks at Mid- 
dletown near Tynan in the county of Armagh Ireland. 

Mr Persifor frazer 

= to be Left at the London 

= Cofifee House in Philadelphia. 



Philada. 6/th July 1766. On a final settlement made this day between 
the Executors of Thomas Bartholomew deceas'd and Persifor Frazer 
relating to money recover'd by said Frazer in Carolina on a policy of 
Insurance there made by the said Bartholomew for himself and others 
there appears due to Persifor Frazer the sum of Two Pounds, nineteen 
shillings and eleven pence, and as will appear by Account render'd the 
sum of Ten Pounds nineteen shillings and eleven pence is charg'd to 
said Bartholomew's Estate for a Ballance due to said Frazer on a 
Quantity of Beer ship'd in Corny, w/th said Bartholomew to Carolina, 
but as there is an objection to the said Sum of £10, , 19, ,11. It is 

40 



agreed by both parties to defer the adjusting of that matter unto some 
future Time. Witness our Hands. 

Persifor Frazer 
(Signed) Catharine (?) Bartholomew- 

David Kinsey 
Memorandum of what Expences 
when We went up to survie the Lands in 
Bedford County the who] amount was £80 o o 
July your part is ten Pounds 
1766 



October 2. 1766. 

Persifor Frazer married Mary daughter of John 
and Sarah (Worrall) Taylor, Oct. 2. 1766. Shortly after his marriage 
he took up his permanent residence as a farmer inThornbury township. 
then Chester now Delaware County, and near the Sarum Iron Forge, 
in which his wife had a part interest, and he assumed the management. 

(Jan. 26. 1767) 

The following was addressed "Forge notes" etc. 
Mr W/m Massey these 
Mr Massey W/m Starr was with me and told me to send you word 
that he had got another mill Rite as he could not wait aney longer for 
you and thought proper to send you word that it mite not disapoint 
you as you rote to him about Bilding a Forge in Mereland your 
father left 2 letters with me sum time ago but I could not geet a 
oportunity to send them before as you Rote to me to send down x x x 
Account of the Forge and a Philadelphia x x x Frazer sayes that the 
Ac/t in tours is x x x down to the fumes your Accon/t heare is x x x 
and my Account is £5, , 5, , o d. if you see cause to x x x Count with 
them as I sepose that money x x x will be scearce there and may sute 
you as well as a — x x x pay me and if agreed I shall Charge you x x x 
Dr to me when you come up the the Books x x x 

this is all at present but 
Sir yourHumbel serv x x x 
Seram Forge Augt. 14/th 1766 Jno. Thorn — x x 
Mr Fraizer £32,, 14,, n 

5> » 5> > 



37, , 19.- 11 
Sir 

The above acco/t 37 . . 19 . . 1 1 . is settled and charged to 

Mr Massey Here 

Deep Creek Furnace 26 Jan/y 1767 

p. Jon/a Vaughan 

4' 



Sept. 17. 1766 

to A/c David Mc Murtrie and Co. with P. F. 

Feb. 13 1768 

Sep. 3. 1767 

A large single sheet entitled Cash Account of 
David McMurtrie containing Items from Dec. 19, 
1764 to Sep. 3. 1767. 



Sept. 29. 1767 

Philad/a 29/th Sep/r 1767 
My D/r Polly 

I got to Town the Evening I left you but was much tired, 
I am now thank God in a pritty good way. tho' I have had a small 
spell of the Fever since I was in Town, owing' chiefly to my close at- 
tention to the Business we have been at as I have not been any where 
but at M/r Henry/s since I have been in Town, but constantly over 
the Books. We shall get clear of our bad bargain w/th M/r 
Vaughan as we are now settling the acc/ts and think shall do better in 
regard to our Furnace Acc/ts than I could expect. I have had a good 
deal of wrangling before We could bring things to bear and expect 
some more , but you need not fear as I am determin'd not to give way 
to any injustice. I have some hopes of Selling my part of the Works 
below which I shall do if I can to advantage I am much oblig'd to my 
D/r Polly for her care of me but would request you may not be uneasy 
As I hope I shall now recover fast. I shall see you please God on Sat- 
urday and not before I believe. I would desire you may endeavor to 
reconcile Uncle Worrall and his Wife but by no means let him come to 
any Unreasonable acknowledgements I am Sorry for him with all my 
heart. I know of nothing more that I have to mention but that I am 
my Dear Love y/r most Affectionate Husband 

Pers/r Frazer 
Addressed 

To 
M/rs Mary Frazer 



(Oct. 2. 1767) 

Large double sheet ledger account entitled 
"Coppy acct. rendered to .Messrs Vaughan and Company of Deep 
Creek Furnace Octo. 2/d 1767. to be Settled to the first Aug. last". 
It contains items of Debit and Credit from April 2. 1762 to July 18 
1767. The last item "By amt of Credit to Compy w/th Interest 
£1758, , 10, , 11 1/4" 

42 



(Oct. 2. I767) 

Memorandum of agreemant made this second day of October 
1767. Between us the subscribers Relative to a settlement and Bonds 
passed of this Date concerning the partnership of Serem Forge is such 
that upon the full close of the Books if any Error shoud Transpire in 
any of the accompts for which the said Bonds are given either pro or 
con that such accompts is to be regulated and Interest paid or De- 
ducted as the Justice of the case shall require In witness whereof we 
have hereunto sett our hands and seals the Day and year above written 
Signed Sealed and Delivered W/m Douglass 

in presence of us Jon/a Vaughan 

William Wishart Persifor Frazer 

Edward Bayliff 



(Oct 2.) I P. F. of the Township of Ashtown County of Chester, 

( 1767. ) and Prov. of Pa. am firmly bound unto David M/cMurtrie of 

Bond the City of Phila in the sum of £372 current Money of Penna. 

Condition £186, , 7, , 4. 

Witness Win Wishart and Edw Baylifte. Oct. 2. 1767 



(Oct. 19) 



( 1767. 
Bond 



Christ. Marshall and Druggist W/m Wishert, and Je- 
mima Edwards of Phila. are bound to P. F. late of said 
City Merchant but now of Ashton twp Chest Co. for £500, 
Oct. 19. 1767. for his sixth part of the Deep Creek Furnace 
and Nanticoke Forge, on the waters of Deep Creek Nanti- 
coke river Worcester Co. Prov. of Md. iron ores, Messuages, 
negroes, etc, P. F. is released from partnership debts con- 
tracted with D. M/cMurtrie and W/m Douglass. Condi- 
tion that if the said Marshall Wishert and Edwards save P. 
F. and heirs from any debt claims the money obligation be- 
comes void. 



(Oct. 31. 1767.) 

Bond of 

Performance 



John Thomson of Concord twp Chester Pa. is 
bound tojon/a Vaughan, W/m Douglass, of Worces- 
ter Co. Md, and to D M/cMurtrie of Phila and P. F. 
of Ashtown Chester Co. Pa. for £500 to save them 
harmless against all suits etc from Dennis Whelen 
and Sam/1 Kennedy, and himself on the one part and 
Jonathan Vaughan and Sam/1 Calvert of the other 
part in respect to "Serem Forge Mills House etc. 
The money obligation to be void if he keeps his 
contract. 



43 



(Nov. 5. 1767) Conditions. The highest bidder to be the buyer 
Vendue. Any person buying to the value of 10 s. to pay ready 

money 
" above 10 s. to have six months 
credit 
with sufficient security if required, and persons pur- 
chasing and refusing to comply with the condition 
above to be deprived of the Credit aforesaid 

Persifor Frazer for self and Company. 

Bidders P. F., Isaac Taylor, David Brinton, W/m Douglass, 

D/d Lewis, Jno Hill, Thos Cheyney, Jos Hemphill, Thos. 
Hickman, Rebeca Green, Jno Douglass, Edw Grissell, Jon/a 
Vaughan, Geo. Mire, Phillip Mendenhall, Jos. Baker, Thos. 
Taylor, Jno. Esington, Christian Newfoe, Leve Masery, 
Thos. Marshall, Jane Mendenhall, Caleb Peirce, Jno. Hall, 
Jno Briggs, Nemiah Baker, Denis M'Coy, Jacob Rich- 
ards, Jno Thompson, Robert. Mendenhall, Benj Hamp- 
ton, Jos. Jones, Rich. Strode, Jacob Albert, Jac. Albright, 
Fred. Taylor, Nath/n Edwards, Jno Holston, Jacob Poke, 
Jacob Popp, Moses Nathan, Josua Bean, Jacob Yarnall. 



Single sheet "A List of land purchased for Deep Creek Furnace and 
Nanticoke Forge". Purchased from Elijah Tindal, John Spicer, John 
Tindal, Wm. Conway, Thos. Stoss, Daniel Kelly, Sam/1 Pettyjohn, 
Joseph Boyce, Thos. Willin, George Kelly, John Grant, Samue! 
Owens, John Spicer, John Elzey, W/m Swain, Levin Conway, James 
Doddrill, Jno Richards, Jno Tindall, Jno Spicer, Levy West, Charles 
Bannister, Jno. Mitchell, W/m Porter, Wolman Donevan, Richd 
Crockitt, Jno Lord, Danl. Wales and Isaac Ingram, Jno Fourier, Richd. 
Lowe. 
Situated Worcester, Dorset, and Sussex Survey, Maryland 



(Feb. 11. 1768 Memorandum of agreement. Joshua Bean of Whit- 
land twp Chester Co., gives to P. F. of Thornbury 
twp.Ches/t Co. Pa. house and farm of 48 acres and 130 
perches in E. Whiteland twp. for £239. to be paid on 
May 1. next ensuing. 

Witness Joshua Bean 

Caleb Parry 
Michael Peter Persifor Frazer 



(Feb. 13. 1768.) Prom, not of Joshua Bean to P. F. for £165 for 

46 days. 
Wit. Caleb Parry and Michael Peter 

44 



(March 14. 1768. Prom. Note of Joe Albright to P. F. & Co. of 

Sarum Forge for £8, 13, 2 for 27 days. 



(May 21. 1768). New York 2 i/st May 1768 

Sir I hope you will Excuse my Bouldness in writ- 
ing to you, but I Could not till how to get any ac- 
count of My sister unless you can give mee Sum ac- 
count of hir, which I hop you will Be So good as to 
answer as Soon as this Somes to your hand, D/r Par- 
sefor it Gives Me the gratest Concern to think of 
father and mother and being dead — 

D/r Sir I Cum to New York Last July to Setle 
Sum business for my Cap/t — D/r Sir I should be very 
much oblidgedTo you to Let me know as Soon as this 
to your hand and Let hur no that I am in Good 
health — 

Sir if you answer my Letter derect yours to Mr 
James Jerocuo hotel in french Church Street New 
York- 
Sir I Remaine yours Sincerely 

Parsifor Carr Sergeant 



Addressed 



in the 48/th Reg/t 



2.16 

To 

M/r Parsifor Frazer 
in Middel town Ship 
Chester County 
Pennsylvania 



(Jan. 23/d 1769) Percifor Frazier 

These are to forwarn, forbid, and Strictly 
Charge thee not to keep harbour or Entertain my 
Wife in, or about thy House as thee to y/e Con- 
trayry Shall Answer for so Doing another day 
i/mo 23/d 1769 Jn/o Peirce 



Endorsed For 



Percifor Frazier 



April 17. 1769 Fi Fa writ by Sheriff for £17, , 11,, 1. owed to Wm 
Halliday and Thos Dunbar for the charges 
awarded them in a suit before the Supreme Court 
of Penna. 

Signed \V/m Allen Chief TusticeProvince of Penna. 
Allowed by Thos. Willing Edw/d Shippen Jr prot. 

45 



(June 2. 1769) 

Deep Creek Furnace 2/d June, 1769 
D/r Sir 

I received yours of the 25/th of April which is the only one 
has come to hand since last fall although I understand you have fre- 
quently wrote I have wrote twice or thrice w/h supose you have not 
rec/d Particularly for the amo/t of Isaac Calvarts acco/t w/h I Had 
some hopes of recovering of Him here but he is now left these parts 
I do asure you it is the greatest Concern to me that our affairs re- 
main unsettled but has been absolutely Out of my power to Attend as 
yet I procured as much Time during M. Pennel's stay down here a few 
weeks ago as to go up to Lancaster on some particular Business at 
the request of my Mother-in-law and fully I intended on my return to 
have had the pleasure of seeing you but as Mr Pennell Could not be 
prevailed upon to stay above 8 or 9 days and the old gentlewoman 
coming down with me was pressing to Take the nearest way under 
those circumstances hope you will excuse my not calling at that time 
as I was no nearer your house than Christiana Bridg as to the negros 
shall be glad of your advice what you think is Best to be done Re- 
specting them I shall be glad to do anything you Judg most proper I 
Have lately understood where Chamberlain lives and will be enabled 
to a make a Title to Hannums as soon as ever our Blast is out hope 
to accomplish That and proceed Imediately to you In order to Com- 
plete a settlem/t of our affairs untill then I Canot with any degree 
of Safety to the Business here leave home there was a deed Drawn 
by Mr Graham in order for Chamberlin to sign w/h Deed I think Mr 
Graham has pray by some opertunity endeaver to convey it to me Mr 
Pennell I expect will shortly be down at some time pray enquire of 
Mr Graham whether any Judgment yet stands against him in the 
office that may effect his conveyance. John Thomson Informs me he 
has Discharged Willcoxes Bond. I gave him orders to pay Into your 
hands w/h I hope he has done Before now if not please to call upon 
him for it we are all well Our kindest compliments to Mrs Frazer and 
Remain D/r Sir your assured Friend and Hum. Serv. 

Jon/a Vaughan. 



June 2, 1769. Receipt by Hugh Matthews for a bond of P. F., 
W/m Wishart, and Jemima Edwards for £170 dated 
Oct. 22. 1767 payable to Frazer Oct. 22. following. 



June 29. 1769. Memorandum of agreement between P. F. Thorn- 
bury twp. chest Co. Pa. of one part and Thomas Green 
twp and Co. ditto House Carpenter of other part to 

46 



construct frame Barn 45' x 20' before the 10/th of July 
and to build the dwelling house P.F. is to build after 
harvest 21' x 28'. (Minute specifications follow). The 
sum of £18 is to be paid for carpenter work with deduc- 
tion if changes should make work less and additional 
charge if they should be increased. 



Barbados Nov. 14. 1769 
Mr Persifor Frazer 

Dear Sir 

I wrote you in June last a few lines acquainting that y e 
13. ult/o I had received of Doc/r Jackman a sum here which would 
ballance your acco/t with him — since yours of ye 3/d July is now to 
hand — now my friend Mr Edward Ireland (who married with you a 
Daughter of M/r Cheeseman ye shoemaker in Second Street — comes 
over but makes but a short stay — please to draw out my acco. with you 
and Dr Jackman's (I cannot get any of yours from him) and let 
everything be put right — he will pay you the Ball/ce etc — Doc/r Jack- 
man paid one of Cottringer's bills off — here — since w/h he has drawn 
for another of a prior Date — but that ye Doc/r refuses to pay — he 
writes ye Right (?) proceeds from his Clerk or should you fall in 
Debt — he will receive it — Doc/r Jackman ought to allow you Int till 
May for all ye Sums were absolutely in advance as I will allow to it — 
pray do not fail having everything ended as it may not be in my power 
to meet sone with another favourable opportunity as this of Mr Ire- 
land — am proud to hear of your Mariage but you do not say if it is to 
y e Quondam Lady, that your Father disaproved off — nor how you met 
these great losses — Your Brother's fate I had heard but nothing of 
your Father and Mother — have you not a Sister ? Would send you a 
Keg of Sperrit — but our Roads are now impassable — but the next 
Spring will make it up — my best Wishes attend you and yours to whom 
I beg a cordial Remembrance — 

D/r Peirce Your affec. friend 
Sam/1 Osborne 
Addressed 

To 
Mr Percifor Frazer 
to be left with W/m Wishart 

Merchant 
p Favour of 
Mr Ireland Philadelphia 

47 



1769 Persifor Frazer to Jn/o Peirce D/r £ 

To pasturing all his Cattle and Horses the 
Summer the place was first divided f 6,, , 

To Dammage his keeping my Wife 
from taking care of her business for 20, , , 

about 2 Months 

To a Good Cheese a Quantity of Tea Sugar 

Bread and other things which was £ i, ,10, 

took to his house 

To Silk Gound and a Warming pan £ 5, ,10, 

To Cash his Wife had to pay for 

Dying s/d Silk gound , ,15, 



July 1768 to Dec. 9. 1769., from the same to the same, additional 
items. Muslin and Bobbin for Mary Myers 5 s; Sugar 7 s 6 d; 1 day's 
reaping of my Lad 2 s 6 d; to his wife being sick and lying in at my 
house attendance of midwife etc 9 weeks and three days £15.; 1 qut 
Rum 9 d ; 

This was nearly offset by credits of cheese Rye, corn, Hay, 
'Raizins', dryed apples, meal and beeves. 

It shows the extent of barter and the scarcity of money in a newly 
settled land. 



Account of Expenses dividing the Land 
1769. To Caleb Peirce 2 days run of Land £ 

2 chain Carriers 2 days each — , , 14, , — 
Expenses of the first Gentn chose to Divide 
To Cash paid to Mr Galloway a fee for advice 1, , — , , — 

To ditto on bringing the action on partition 2, , 2, , — 

To Cash paid for copy of return and Survey — , , 2, , 6 
To expenses to Phil/a to Mr Galloway for 

Declaration — , , 15, ,10 

To expenses of jury 6 days at our House 

on Division 

To expenses of ditto at the Ship 6, , 8, , 6 

To ditto at the Squ(ar)e 3, , 2, , 6 
To Jno Morton Esq/r Acct. 

To a chain carrier 2 days — , , 7, , — 

To Expenses going to Caleb James — , , 7, , 6 



48 



March 7. Mortgage of farm at Thornbury by P.F. to John Han- 
1770 num of Concord for £150. to be paid March 6. 1 771 . Sealed 
and delivered in presence of Jno Frederick and Edw. Bettle. 
Recorded before H.H.Grahem Justice for Chester County 
March 7. 1770. 
Recorded in Office for recording Deeds June 7. 1770. 

March 21 Memorandum of agreement between David Calvert of 

1770 the one part and Jas. Thompson and P. F. of the other part. 
Calvert rents two thirds of a tract of land together with a 
saw mill, grist mill, Iron forge, and other messuages and 
buildings devised to said Calvert by Elizabeth, widow of Dr 
Jno Taylor. Thompson and Taylor agree to keep said Mill 
in repair and to pay the sum of £23, , 6, , 8 on the 1st of 
May of each year 

Witnesses Jas Thomson 

Will/m Armstrong 
Isaac Taylor Persifor Frazer 

A duplicate agreement signed Dan/1 Calvert 
Same witnesses as the preceding. 

July 5. 1770. Two supplements as definitions of agreement be- 
tween Dan — Calvert on the one part and Jas Thomp- 
son — P.F. on the other whereby the Mill, Dam Race 
etc shall be put into repair by Calvert and the time 
necessary to do this shall be deducted from the rent. 
Signed by the parties respectively and witnessed in 
each case by Jno Atkin. 

Aug. 10. 1770 Sir 

I am importuned by Mr Wilson about the settle- 
ment of his account, he wants to know how we settled 
it, as he thinks we committed an error. If the Papers 
are not destroyed, on which we have' made a Sketch 
of that account, please to bring them with you, when 
you come to town. I reiterate my thanks to you and 
Mrs Frazer for the Civilities rec/d : at your house; 
please to assure her of my Esteem. I am with great 
regard 

Sir Your most humble Servant 
Jno De Mauregnault 

49 



May 16. 1770. To all to whom these Presents shall come Jonathan 
Vaughan of Worcester County in the Province of 
Maryland Iron Master William Douglass of Dorset 
County in the same province Iron Master Persevor 
Frazor of Thornbury Township Chester County of the 
province of Pennsylvania Farmer and David M/c- 
Murtrie of the City of Philadelphia in the province of 
Pennsylvania Merchant send Greeting 
Whereas the said Parties have had several Dealings 
between them relating to a certain Forge called 
Sarem Forge situate in the County of Chester in the 
province of Pennsylvania and are Owners of said 
Forge for adjusting, settling and balancing of all Ac- 
counts whatsoever now depending and being between 
them the said parties jointly or any two of them and 
all Differences and Agreements Promises Payments 
Debts Monies Matters or Things relating thereunto 
the said Parties have referred the same and by these 
presents do refer the same to the award and De- 
termination of Charles Thompson Samuel Caldwell 
and Samuel Eldridge or any of them indifferently 
named and chosen by and between them the said Jona- 
than Vaughan William Douglass Persifer Frazer and 
David M/cMurtrie to hear judgment and determine 
of and concerning all or any doubt Questions or Differ- 
ences which have arisen as may arise touching the 
same and to adjust settle and balance all the Accounts 
aforesaid. And the said Jonathan Vaughan William 
Douglass and Persifer Frazer and David M/cMurtrie 
each for himself and for his own Executors and admin- 
istrators and his own Acts and not the one for the 
other nor for the Act or Acts of the others doth cove- 
nant promise and agree to with the other 
or others of them his and their Executors 
and Administrators by these Presents as fol- 
lowed! that is to say, that each of them 
the said Parties their respective Executors or Admin- 
istrators shall and will be concluded by perform and 
fulfil the award Judgments and Determination which 
they the said Arbitrators or any two of them shall 
make and declare in writing under their Hands and 
Seals in and concerning the Premises so that award of 
the arbitrators or any two of them be made under their 
Hands and Seals and ready to be delivered to the said 
Parties on or before the sexth Day of September next 

SO 



And it is also agreed by and between the said Parties 
to these Presents that their Submission to the said 
Award so to be made as aforesaid shall be made a 
Rule of Court f his Majesty's Court of Common 
Pleas of the County of Philadelphia in the Province of 
Pennsylvania. And that the Books and Accounts of 
respective Parties shall be ready to be delivered and 
delivered to the said Arbitrators on or before the fif- 
teenth Day of August next And lastly for the true per- 
formance of the several and respective Covenants and 
Agreements hereinbefore contained on the part of 
each of them the said Jonathan Vaj.ighan William 
Douglass Persifer Frazer and David M/cMurtrie to 
be kept and performed in manner as aforesaid They 
the said Jonathan Vaughan William Douglass Persifer 
Frazer and David M/cMurtrie do hereby bind them- 
selves unto each other and to the respective Executors 
and Administrators and Assignes of each other in the 
penal Sum of Two hundred thousand pounds lawful 
Money of Pennsylvania firmly by these presents In 
witness whereof the said parties of these presents have 
hereunto set their Hands and Seals the sixteenth 
Day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand 
seven hundred and seventy 

(Signed) 
Sealed and delivered David M/cMurtrie SS 
in the Presence of Jon/a Vaughan SS 

Persifer Frazer SS 

The words "and that the W/m Douglass SS 
Books and Accounts of 
the respective parties shall be 
ready to be delivered and delivered 
to the said Arbitrators on or before 
the fifteenth day of August next" being 
first interlined 

Andrew Allen A true Copy from the original 
W/m Allen agreement filed in the Court of 

Common pleas Philadelphia County 

for J. B. Smith P/y 
George Ward 
J. B. Smith Pro/y 
Endorsed 

David M/cMurtrie and Charles M/cMurtrie Ex/rs of 
D. M — P Peesifer Frazer Esqr to June 1788 



5i 



August 2j Mess/rs Cha/s Thompson and Samuel Caldwell 

1 770 Gent/n 

The reason of my troubling you at this Time is not 
to perplex or make matters more intricate but barely to re- 
late some things that have Occur'd to me Since I Saw you, 
and repeat others that I think very material in the affair 
now under your Consideration and I flatter myself the 
Manner and method of this will be Excus'd, Should the 
matter be conformable to Truth and reason: more espe- 
cially when it is considered, that after all I shall not be on 
an equal footing with my adversary, who has heretofore 
and no doubt will hereafter Use all imaginable methods to 
make Matters on my side appear in the most unfavourable 
light. As I am convinc'd from a long acquaintance with 
him, that he will not stick out to assert any thing, and 
make Use of very Ungenerous Methods to attain his ends, 
I wou'd request Gentlemen that you would not take any 
other matter into consideration than what has been offer'd 
when We were all present, without giving me an oppor- 
tunity of a hearing. I lay under a peculiar disadvantage in 
attending the settlement at a distance from where the 
Business was transacted; tho' I never Once objected to a 
Settlement in Phil/a, yet he has almost tired Us all out 
waiting upon him there, having been four times in Phil/a 
Since February last for that purpose, and at one Time 
waited Two Weeks. 

He has made a great Noise where it could do Us any 
injury, about M/r Vaughans intention and mine, of cheat- 
ing him, and refusing to come to a settlement, I defy him 
to charge me with once evading a settlement, but on the 
contrary have done every thing in my power at all times 
to forward one, particularly in the year 1767. as he had 
been in advance for Vaughan and Douglas I persuaded 
them into a partial settlement on purpose to make him 
easy and gave him a Bond at that Time for a sum of Money 
on purpose to induce the others not to refuse, when at the 
same time I did not Charge my wages and many other 
Credits I had to bring to my Acc/t and only took each of 
Us a bare Mamorandum — to make it appear the settle- 
ment was not final. Yet after all We have Cheated him ; 
but he has done all in his power to make it appear and 
fail'd in every instance, the only objections that now ap- 
pears to be to my Acc/t are only Two, first the Charge if 
Six Pounds as Expences in philad/a. for 6 weeks, and the 
other my Charge of One Hundred pounds, p. annum 

52 



wages as Manager, As to the Charge of Six pounds it may 
be found on enquiry that it is not the whole of the Ex- 
pense I was at, , having paid M/rs Jenkins alone upwards 
of Nine pounds at that Time, beside what I paid at other 
places, and I think it very unreasonable that I should pay 
the whole out of my own pocket attending the Companys 
business as Manager, the Forge being the most proper 
place on every acc/t for that purpose ; I think it very Ex- 
traordinary that M/r M/cMurtrie should object ag/t the 
Charge when such heavy Charges appear in his own acc/t 
but is agreeable to his Usual Modesty, I think it will be 
found on Examing that he has Creditted his acc/t w/th 
Expences at sundry times upwards of £50, without makg 
Us sensible what, which I do insist upon to be unjust ; as 
the greatest part of the Expences Accru'd on Journey's 
to the Forge and other parts of the Country, entirely 
throught motives of Pleasure or Curiosity, he is also 
Credited w/th £20 p. Ann. for 2 years for his trouble, 
which was intended to be full satisfaction for his trouble in 
and out of Philad/a. As to my wages as Manager I think 
I have already said enough to satisfie you respecting it, 
but least any doubt should remain, would beg of you to 
recollect, that from the third of Septe/r 'till the third of 
Novem/r 1766, I Charge the Company nothing, tho' in 
strict Justice I had as great a right to Charge them at the 
rate of £40 Annum as any Creditt in my acc/t. then 
from the third of Novem/r 'till the 5/th of Novem/r 1767 
is One Year when the Vendue was Made ; at that time I 
had the whole of the affairs in the Country to settle and 
the Books to bring Up; it may appear a trifling matter to 
some, but any Person not interested as I was would not 
have taken the trouble for 2 Months Wages, so that I 
think without havg. and regard to the three Months which 
I have not Charg'd, and a great deal of trouble yet re- 
maining, the Charge I make is not an Unreasonable One. 
The Expences of Carrying on the Business before I went 
to the Forge will appear to be double of what it was after, 
in Thomsons time he was allowed £60. Forty pounds 
allow'd me p. agreem/t W. M/cMurtrie had £20. (besides 
£50 and upw/ds of Expences for 2 years) there was still a 
Housekeepers Wages @ 12 or 15 £ p. annum with her 
Dyet etc which will am/t to nigh £200 annum ; the whole 
of which I transacted and I think much better for £100 p. 
ann. w/ch Sum was positively agreed upon, tho' Douglas 
and M/cMurtrie think proper to deny it. yet M/r Vaughan 

53 



affirming the agreement and equally interested I think 
ought to have more weight than twenty Negatives. But 
my not suffering myself to be impos'd upon in respect to 
the Negroes, has brought down honest David's wrath more 
particularly upon me, and has been the Occasion of all the 
trouble in the settling our Accounts. And as that seems 
the matter of most consequence in our dispute, I intereat 
you would recollect the Conduct of each relating thereto ; 
and whether it does not appear I was willing at the time of 
the Division to avoid entering into any dispute; I propos'd 
to take the Negroes, provided they were assur'd to me ; 
surely I had a right to that ? yet this was refus'd ; I further 
propos'd the Comp/y to Creditt my Acc/t £100 for the 
Negroes in dispute; was this unreasonable? yet this was 
likewise refused to be Comply'd with. I likewise propos'd 
that the whole of the Negroes should be either divided 
again or otherwise put up to Public Sale imediately ; this 
also with every other proposal was refus'd and by whom? 
by no other person than M/r M/cMurtrie. I then told the 
Company and have told them ever since that I look'd upon 
myself equally Interested in the whole, in consequence of 
which M/cMurtrie went Home and M/r Vaughan and 
Douglas promis'd should M/cMurtrie still stand out, that 
they would bring the Negroes to any place agreed on and 
have the whole Expos'd to Public Sale. Now Gentlemen 
there is not a thing asserted by me but what I either have 
proven or can prove should you require it : And if my prop- 
erty and the Use of it, is to be determin'd by the Sov- 
ereign Will of Dav/d M/c Murtrie you are to judge. I 
should be glad to know what disadvantagees wou'd have 
attended the proposals made by me and agreed to by all 
but M/cMurtrie would the signing the Bills of Sale made 
any of the Negroes more slaves than they were before? 
Was it not absolutely necessary the property should be 
convey'd? Would we not have been all on footing by a 
public Sale of them ? could any disadvantage have ac- 
cru'd to me more than another by such steps? Is it not 
very Unreasonable for any one of the Comp/y to throw 
a Loss on the other even was it ever so much in his 
power? Was it honest in that one to take no Meas- 
ures to satisfie me, but on the contrary to try all in his 
power from that Time to this to sett theNegroe free, which 
I can prove by many Evidences and at the same time ex- 
pect the whole Burthen should fall on me, Except the very 
generous offer of Ten Pounds he would allow me as his part, 

54 



which he mention'd before you. I would seriously ask what 
Can the Compy. lose by a public Sale of them at this Time, 
Is there any way more effectual to put Us all on a footing? 
Is it reasonable we should any of Us have the advantage of 
the other? I do utterly deny that ever I consented to any 
Division from the first Day to this, the agreement being 
Violated by M/cMurtrie alone, and under these circum- 
stances I do hold an indisputable right to a fourth part of 
every Negro, which it is out of his power to hinder me of; 
as to the wages — xxx — I had not equal Service (?) that 
the Credit for those w/ch I had should am/t to as much as 
the others; but think that the young Negroes in my pos- 
session will make up a good deal of the Loss as they are 
increas'd much in Value, the net wages I contend we have 
an equal right to. I would fondly hope you would Gen- 
tlemen Excuse the length and Expression of this, as it really 
proceeds from a consciousness of having acted honestly in 
my transactions with them, and also from the Unreason- 
ableness of McMurtrie Expectations as also the pains he 
has taken to blacken my character at all times when an op- 
portunity offer'd, but I can truly say I never sought any 
advantage, and as he has never had any concern of Con- 
sequence with any One but with whom he has not differ'd 
and taken advantages of those that were in his power. It 
gives me some kind of Satisfaction that Our affairs are nigh 
a crisis, and that it has hitherto been out of his power to 
effect all his designs. I am with great Esteem 
Gentlemen Your Most Hble Serv/t 

Persifor Frazer 
Aug/t 27. 1770 



We the Subscribers two of the arbitrators indifferently chosen by 
and between Jonathan Vaughan, David McMutrie Persifor Frazer 
and William Douglass late Copartners in Sarum forge to arbitrate and 
settle the accounts and matters in variance between them relating to 
the said Copartnership having examined the several accounts and 
charges of each of the Parties and heard and duly weighed the several 
allegations proofs and objections of each and every of the Partners, Do 
award as follows that the Negroes named Jack and Dick are the prop- 
erty of David McMurtrie and that the negroes named Caesar Charles 
and Lyhara are the property of Jonathan Vaughan and belong to his 
Estate that the Negroes named Rachel with her Child and Sam are the 
property Persifor Frazier and that the Negroes named Joe and Harry 
are the property of William Douglass, Secondly that the fourth of the 
negroe named Jack alias Isaac is the property of David McMurtrie, 

55 



that one fourth part of the said Jack al/s Isaac is the property of or 
belongs to the Estate of Jonathan Vaughan that one fourth part of the 
said Jack al/s Isaac is the property of Persifor Frazier, and one fourth 
part of said Jack al/s Isaac is the property of William Douglass. Next 
we award that the sum of twelve hundred and forty nine pounds and 
four pence halfpenny lawful money of Pennsylvania is owing a id due 
to David McMurtrie from the Estate of Jonathan Vaughan deceased 
which sum we award and order to be paid to the said David McMur- 
trie with lawful Interest from the eighth day of May last past that the 
sum of one hundred and thirty seven pounds, eleven shillings and eight 
pence lawful money of Pennsylvania is owing and due to said David 
McMurtrie from Persifer Frazer which sum we award and order said 
Persifer to pay unto the said David with Lawful Interest from the 
eighth day of May last past and that the sum of five hundred and fifty 
five pounds eleven shillings and seven pence three farthings is owing 
and due unto the said David McMurtrie from William Douglass which 
sum we award and order to be paid to the said David by the said Wil- 
liam together with lawful Interest from the eighth day of May last past 
And lastly we award and order that the debts outstanding and due to 
the partners afs/d as Partners in Saram Forge shall when collected be 
divided among them the said David, Jonathan William and Persifer 
share and share alike and that all the debts now due by them as Part- 
ners in Saram forge be paid by them share and share alike. In Wit- 
ness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and Seals this twenty 
fourth day of January A D 1771. 

(sg/d) Chas Thomson SS 

(sg/d) Sam Caldwell SS 

The above is a true transcript of the original award and filed in the 
Prothonotary office of the Court of Common pleas Phila/a County 

sy for J. B. Smith protry 
L. S. George Ward 

sy J. B. Smith Proth. 

Award 
David McMurtrie and 
Charles McMurtrie 

Exr. of D M. 
Persifer Frazier 



1766 — 1770. 

An itemized account of Jno. Peirce against Persifor 
Frazer from Dec. 6. 1766 to April 1. 1770. 

The items comprise Indian corn at 3 s. a bushel; rye @ 
4 s; chaff; raisins 10 d. a pound; rent of a room 3 months and 10 days 
16 s 8 d; hire of two cows and 2 horses £1, , 10, , — ; "to the Barn to 
put his hay in being greatly to my disadvantage £1, , — , , — , ; 1 bush. 

56 



dryed apples 6 s; i quarter of veal w/d 19 1/2 lb. @ 3 1/2 <1 a pound; 
Flitch of Hogg meat 32 lb 16/3; 2 beef cattle came by \v/t to £9, , 7, , 
5; 20 lbs meal, 25 1/4 beef (best pieces) 1 qut of Vinegar and 6 lbs 
^ool 9 s 4 d. 

These and other heterogeneous items amounted to £51, . 9, , 1 1. A 
note underneath follows. "N. B. there is money due me from the 
overseer of the forge while he was owner." 



I Object against Paying any Part of the Money which I have ad- 
vanc'd as adm/tr out of my own private pocket towards paym/t of 
Jn/o Taylor Ju/rs Debts for the following (in my oppinion) Good and 
Substancial Reason, (firstly) as it was near or Quite Eight Years that 
the Profits of the Land went to pay Debts and my Wife had little or 
no part out Toward her Support which was unreasonable and unjust, 
And if apiece of Land had been first sold to pay Debts and the Re- 
mainder Rented She might have had about £250 Pounds more then 
she now hath which would have been her Right and I think in Equaty 
She ought yet to have; and Secondly, the Widdows Third which is 
Very Considerable; have been above 2 Years in the Heirs hands, and 
I have not Rec/d one farthing, which as it's yet Undevided ought now 
to pay the debts; and thirdly if it was even Reasonable I should Pay 
any Part thereof, I Can Prove that my Share according to the Real 
worth and Vallue of our holdings would not amount to more than one 
Twentieth part, the above Reasons. I Trust, will have weight with 
every Prudent Reasonable Person, And upon the whole to Sum up the 
Matter in Short, I Raily think that in Stead (as before) of my paying 
any part of the debts, I ought to have near or quite £300 more. 

Jn/o Peirce 
Scribbled on the bottom in another hand. 

John Peirce 

the Condition of this Obligation is such That 
John Pierce 



1 77 1 The Farther Acc/t of Jn/o Peirce adm/rs to the Estate of Jn/o 
Taylor Jun/r Dec/d 
To 1 day at Chester taking out a Writ for 

Fran. Hickman £ , , 7, , .6 

To attending 8 Courts in s/d affair being a 

Cross Action 12 days @ 7/6 4, , 10, , 

To 1 day Taking out the Rules of Reffer!. . . 7, , 6 

To 1 day and till 2 oClock at night attending 

the' Reffer! at C. Dilworths 12. 6 

To 2 days attending them at Chester 15. , , 

57 



To attend 6 orphans Courts at Chester about 
getting Land Sold to pay Debts 9 days 
@ 7/6 • ■ 3: 

To Cash p/d at Jo/s Gibb's for the Justices at 
at an orphans Court 5/5 1/2 and my Self 
I day attending 7/6 

to 1 day at Squire Grahams office from which 

they appealed and I attend 2 days 1, , 

on S/d appeal at Chester in all 2 days 

To attending 3 Courts at the Suit of Evans. 1, , 

To Cash p/d Benj/a Chew at 2 different times 1 , , 

in a Second Suit of s/d Hickman 

To Attending 2 Courts in s/d 2/d Suit 3 days 1, 



12: 11 1/2 

2,, 6 

2, , 6. 

10 



Bro/t over 15, 

To Cash p/d the Attorney in the first two Suits 

of Hickman 3 



10 



5 1/2 



18 



10 



To a Ballance due me at a Settlem/t of an 
orphans Court about 5 years ago be- 
ing an appeal from Squire Grahams 

Settlem/t in the office 

Interest on s/d money from June i/st 1769 be- 
ing the time I p/d it being till next 
Court 5 Years and near 6/mos £15: 



5 1/2 



> £46: 10: 9 



7: 



Comiss/s on the above £80: 8: 3 1/2 Cash 
paid Edw/d Green Debt and Cost four 
years ago 



£80 8: 3 1/2 



10: 



Endorsed 



twise at S Grahams office and twice I in- 
formed the Heirs of time of Meeting did 
not charge for. 
The farther Acc/t of Jn/o Peirce adm/tr 
against Parsifer Frazer 



91/2 



April 16. 1 77 1. Holliday and Dunbar vs P. F. 

Rec'd of P. F. £25 by Bill in full of costs but not in full 
of debt. Tno Morton Late Sheriff 

1766 : ■ 

1 77 1. Acct. betw. David McMurtrie and P. F. Feb. 21. 1766 to Jan 
24. 1771. 



58 



May i. 1771. Articles of Agreement Made and entered into by 
and between John Potts of whitemarsh Township, 
County of Philadelphia and Province of Pennsylvania, of 
one part, James Thompson of Ashtown, County of Ches- 
ter and Province affors d of the second part and Persifor 
Frazer of Thornbury; Countyof Chester in said Province 
of the third part are as follows . . Viz. 
Whereas John Taylor late of Thornbury in the Countyof 
Chester, affor/d in the said Province Practitioner in 
Physic, dec 'd Held and was seiz'd of sundry Teniments 
and Tracts of Land in Chester County affors/d and He 
dying intestate his said Estate was laid off and Divided, 
among the Widow and the Pleirs of the s/d John Taylor, 
according to Law; And particularly a certain Tract of 
Land lying and being in the Township of Ashtown, Mid- 
dletown and Thornbury together with a certain Iron 
Forge a grist Mill and Saw Mill and other Tenements 
on the said Tract of Land erected, were laid off and 
allotted to Elizabeth Taylor Widow and relict of the said 
John Taylor as her third or dower in the said Estate, to be 
held by her during her natural Life; And the said Eliz- 
abeth Taylor in and by a certain Indenture duly made 
and executed, did Leafe, Rent and to Farm Lett to 
Daniel Calvert and his assigns all and singular the said 
Tract of Land together with the buildings and all other 
the apurtenances on the s/d Tract Erected or to the 
same belonging. And Whereas the said Daniel Calvert 
in and by a certain Agreement Made, did rent unto the 
affors/d James Thompson and Persifor Frazer two Equal 
and undivided third parts of the affors/d Grist Mill and 
Saw Mill in consideration of the payment of the yearly 
rent and other conditions in the said Agreement Ex- 
press'd and contain'd. And the said Daniel Calvert in 
and by a certain Indenture duly made and Executed 
did Lease, Rent and to Farm Lett unto the affors ,1 
John Potts, all and singular the said Forge, Grist Mill 
Saw Mill and other the buildings and Appurtenances 
unto the same belonging or appertaining with part of 
the said Tract of Land as is in the said last Mention'd 
Indenture describ'd, (Subject to the afors/d Agreement 
Made and enter'd into by and between the said Dan/1 
Calvert, and James Thomson and Persifor Frazer) for 
the Consideration of the Payment of the Yearly Rent of 
Seventy Six Pounds, to be paid Quarterly. And the 
said John Potts, James Thompson and Persifor Frazer. 

59 



in and by divers Conveyances and other assurances in 
the Law are now become Vested in Fee of the whole of 
the aforsaid Premises, in the following Proportionate 
shares, the said John Potts holding Eight equal twelfth 
parts of the afors/d Tract of Land and Premises, and the 
said James Thompson holding two and a half equal 
twelfth parts of the same; and the said Persifor Frazer 
holding one and one half equal twelfth part being the re- 
mainder of the farm. And the said John Potts, James 
Thompson and Persifor Frazer, intending to rebuild a 
slitting Mill and to lie jointly concern'd in Partnership 
in the same as well as in all other the premises by them 
held as affors/d in the proportions afors/d do by these 
Presents mutually agree to and with each other that each 
of the said parties shall and will well and truly Pay unto 
the said Daniel Calvert their proportionate share of the 
afors/d Sum of Seventy Six pounds on the Day that the 
same shall become due from and after the date of this 
present agreement and also pay their particular and pro- 
portionate shares of all such sums of Money as may be 
expended or laid out by the directions and consent of the 
s/d Company towards the rebuilding and carrying on of 
the said Slitting Mill and other matters relating to the 
said Estate, and also Manage and transact all matters for 
the benefitt of the same as if the said Elizabeth Taylor 
was deceased and the Estate had by Law Vested in the 
Heirs of the said John Taylor, and it is also mutually 
agreed by the said parties, that all benefitts, advantages 
and Profits that may arise are become due to the said 
Parties as copartners shall be equally divided between 
the said parties in proportion to the respective Share or 
Shares held by the said Parties. In Witness whereof the 
(May 21. 1771) 

Said parties have hereunto interchangeably set their 
Hands and Seals the twenty first day of May Anno 
Dom: 1 77 1 

Sealed and Deliver'd Jn/o Potts 

in Presence of Us Ja/s Thomson 

Davis Bevan 

Jn/o Taylor Persifor Frazer 

Endorsed Articles of Agreement 

Jn/o Potts and 

James Thomson 

Persifor Frazer 



60 



May 6th. 1771 

I take this Method to desire thee to Send me the 
Money due for the Beef and the Remd/r of my old 
Acc/t as also my Thirds of the Rent for the Place, It 
ought in Justice to have been p/d Long ago; I think 
an Honest Hearted man would not have been Easy to 
have Delayd Paym/t so long. As to the Settlement of 
the Estate I'm Willing to leave it to be finally Settled 
by Jn/o Hannum Esq/r Jn/o Morton Esq/r and H 
Graham Esq/r three Gentlemen of Wisdom and Ability 
and Such whom I expect will Settle the affair as Just 
and as Equatable as any three in the County without 
either favour or Affection: as to thy 111 Hearted Treat- 
ment and Wicked abuse to me some time ago at 
Salkelds, If thee does not make me Immediate Satisfac- 
tion I shall take Lawful Measures to Compel thee; if 
the above is Comply'd with and the men got together 
to Settle it before Court I shall so far Content myself 
otherwise depend upon hearing from me in another 
Manner As I'm Determined not to be Triffeled with 
much longer, Especially by one Who Shoes away and 
Swaggers abroad as one worth a Thousand aYear yet 
at the Same time daily sinking and in some Measure 
Living upon the Labours of others. 
5/mo 6/th 1 77 1 Jn/o Peirce 



Endorsed For 



Percifor Frazier 

in haste 



Feb. 4. 1772) 



Will of Edw. Green and probate of same by H. H. 
Graham Register of Wills and Benjamin Chew Register- 
General of Prov. of Penna. Thos. Cheney and Persifor 
Frazer Executors. 



Articles of Agreement concluded and made the Sixteenth day 
of May in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and 
Seventy two Between, James Smither of the City of Philadelphia 

61 



Engraver of the one and John Reed of the said City of Philadel- 
phia Gentleman of the other part viz/t — 
i. The said James Smither doth hereby for himself his Executors 
and administrators Covenant promise and agree to and with the 
said John Reed his Executors admors and assigns That in consid- 
eration of the sum of One Hundred pounds lawful money of 
Pennsylvania to be well and truly paid in manner herein after ex- 
pressed he the said James Smither shall and will well and suffi- 
ciently Grave or cause to be engraven on three good Copper 
plates A Map Draught or Portraiture of the City of Philadelphia 
aforesaid and liberty lands thereto belonging with Catalogues of 
the Original purchasers thereof from the late William Penn Esq/r 
Proprietor according to the Plan of the said City and liberties 
now compleating and which shall be forthwith delivered to him 
the said James Smither by the aforesaid John Reed 

2. That the said James Smither shall and will compleat and finish 
the said Work or engraving to the best of his skill powers and 
ability on or before the Twenty fifth day of January next ensuing 
the date hereof Death accidents and Casualties excepted — 

3. That he the said James Smither shall not give or deliver any Copy 
Draught extract or Sketch of the said Map or Plan and Catalogue 
to any person or persons whatsoever without the order or per- 
mission of the said John Reed his Exors admors or assigns first 
had and obtained in Writing and shall and will deliver up the said 
Three plates when compleated and finished into the hands of the 
said John Reed or his assigns and to no other person or persons 
whatsoever. 

4. AND the said John Reed does hereby for himself his Heirs Exors 
and admors Covenant and promise that he or they shall pay unto 
the said James Smither his Exeors or admors the sum of Twenty- 
five pounds in hand part of the consideration money aforesaid 
and the remaining Seventyfive pounds by enstallments or in pro- 
portion as the said Work shall go on, the whole Sum to be paid 
off and discharged by the said Twentyfifth of January next And 
for the better performance of all and singular the Articles and 
agreements aforesaid the said parties to these presents mutually 
bind themselves their Executors admors and assigns to each 
other in the penal Sum of Two Hundred pounds lawful money of 
Pennsylvania In Witness whereof the said parties to these pres- 
ents have enterchangeably set their Hands and Seals hereunto 
Dated the day and year first above written and mentioned. — 
Sealed and delivered in the presence James Smither 
of Tho/s Renshaw 

James Dickinson 

62 



I do Assign, Transfer and make Over unto Persifor Frazer his 
Executors, Adminis/rs and Assigns, my whole Right, Title, In- 
trest, Property Claim, and Demand of, in and to the above 
Article of Agreement, with all the Benefits and Advantages what- 
soever that may Arise or Accrue thereon. Wtiness my Hand and 
Seal this 23/d day of September 1772. 



Seal'd and Deliver'd 
in Presence of Us 
Henry Hubbs. 

Endorsed Article Agreem/t entre 

James Smither and John Reed 



John Reed 



1767 
to 
1773 Account between David McMurlrie and Persifor 

Frazer from Oct. 25. 1767 to Feb. 6. 1773. Final 

balance £120, , 13, , 10 

See ante 



March 15. 1773. Receipt and bond of George Fryer to Thos. 
Cheney and P. F. Executors of the Will of Edw. 
green for legacy i.e. f 10, a warming, a frying pan, 
and a Brass Kettle. 

June 12. 1773. Receipt of L. A. Weiss to P. F. for patents of land, 
deeds, and draughts of Plumsted and Reily lands and 
division of the same between the heirs of John Taylor. 

June 24. 1773. Inventory of the goods and chattels, rights and 

credits of John Cuthbert late of the twp. of W. White- 
land Chester Co. deed amounting to £576, , 10, , 9. 



63 



To the INHABITANTS of the Township of 

(in writing) Middletown 

AT a meeting of a respectable Body of the Freeholders Inhab- 
itants of the County of Chester, on Saturday the 18th of June, 
1774, and by adjournment again on the 25th instant. The follow- 
ing Propositions were deliberately and unanimously agreed to Viz. 

First, That it is an absolute right, inherent in every English 
subject, to have the free use, enjoyment and disposal of all his 
property, either by himself or representatives, and that no other 
power on earth can legally divest him of it. 

Secondly, That we apprehend the act of parliament for shutting 
up the port of Boston (until his Majesty's duties be duly collected, 
etc.) is highly arbitrary and oppressive to the inhabitants of that 
town; and in its consequences may endanger all the British col- 
onies in America. 

Thirdly, That the two bills mentioned in the last advices from 
London to be passing in parliament, one changing the chartered 
constitution of the province of the Massachusetts Bay, into a 
military government; and the other impowering the governor, or 
lieutenant governor to send any person or persons to England, to 
be tried for actions committed in that colony, are subversive of 
every idea of liberty, and serves as a preclude to the fate of each 
chartered British colony on this continent. 

Fourthly, That a congress of deputies from the said colonies is 
the most probable and proper mode of procuring relief for our 
suffering Brethren, obtaining redress, and preserving our natural 
rights and liberties, and establishing peace and mutual confidence 
between the mother country and her colonies, on a constitutional 
foundation. 

As the future liberty of America seems now to depend on the 
prudent, and uniform resolves and conduct of each colonv on this 
continent; it will be necessary (in conformity to the other coun- 
ties) to have a committee of correspondence, whereby the earliest 
intelligence may be given to the people, of all such measures or 
resolves which may from time to time be found for, or against 
their common liberties. 

_ The inhabitants, therefore, of your township, are hereby par- 
ticularly requested to meet at the Court-house in the borough of 
Chester, on Friday the 5th of August next, at twelve o'clock, in 

64 



order to chuse a committee as aforesaid, and to form and resolve 
on such other modes or propositions as shall then and there be 
agreed on. At which time and place it's hoped that every person, 
who wishes well to their posterity will attend, and give their ad- 
vice at this alarming crisis. 

N. B. Deputies from your township (if you do not chuse gen- 
erally to attend) will he very agreeable, as well as necessary, (in 
writing) As the Assembly is to meet the 18th inst. it is propos'd 
to meet in Chester on Wednesday the 13th at One OClock in Or- 
der to chuse a Committee for this County. 

Philadelphia, Printed by JAMES HUMPHREYS, Junior, in 
Front-street. 

Endorsed Notice of a meeting to be held at Chester August 15th, 1774. 

A duplicate of this notice with the written word "Edgemont" in place of "Middle- 
town" is also preserved. 



Oct. 21. I/74. 

Sir 



Address 



The last Time I had the pleasure of seeing you, I re- 
quested you wou'd mention to your father that the cer- 
tificate w/ch he was so kind as to give me relating to 
the promise made by M/r Plumsted to Doctor Taylors 
Adm/rs; to make a Title to a piece of Land in West 
Bradford, was mislaid by the Exec/rs of M/r Plum- 
sted; to whom I gave it. And as it is necessary before 
the Title will he made, to have another duplicate as I 
am now here on that business if he would he so obliging 
as to forward it to M/rs Jenkins's ag/t tomorrow, 
wou'd take it as a great favor. I hope He and You will 
forgive the trouble I put you, at this Season of Grief for 
the Loss you have sustained in your family. 
I am Sir 

With due Esteem 

Your most Hble Servant 
Pers/r Frazer 

To 
M/r Sketchly Morton 
Ridley 
p/r favor of 
M/r Jn/o Crosby Ju/r 

65 



r 774- 

During this year and particularly in December the subject of 

this memoir took a leading part in the political movements of 

his County to meet and thwart the oppressive legislation of Great 

Britain. 

The Continental Congress had met in Carpenter's Hall Philadelphia 
on Sept. 5 and adjourned on Oct. 26. 1774. It professed loyalty to 
the King, but petitioned him to redress the wrongs done the Colonies. 
Addresses were sent to the people of Great Britain, Canada, and the 
Colonies, and a declaration of rights was drawn up, with an agreement 
to stop all trade with Great Britain and to put an end to the slave 
trade. 

To carry out its measures Provincial Conventions were called in 
some of the Colonies, and the more important Counties of Pennsyl- 
vania organised Committees. 

Persifor Frazer's name will be found among those appended to the 
non-importation resolutions. 

On Monday Dec. 10. 1774 Deborah Franklin the wife of Dr Ben- 
jamin Franklin died and on the following Thursday her remains were 
interred in Christ Church burying ground. On Friday May 5. 1775 
following Dr. Franklin arrived on the Pennsylvania Packet (Capt. 
Osborne) from London where he had been acting as Agent for the 
Massachusetts Government and the Province of Pennsylvania. 



In pursuance of a public notice given, a very respectable number of 
the inhabitants of the County of Chester met at the court house in the 
Borough of Chester on the 20th day of December 1774, and chose the 
following Committee to carry into execution the association of the late 
Continental Congress, viz: 



Anthony Wayne 
Francis Johnston 
Richard Riley 
Evan Evans 
James Moore 
Hugh Lloyd 
Thomas Hockley 
David Cowpland 
John Hart 
Sketchley Morton 
Samuel Fairlamb 
Isaac Eyre 
John Crosby 
Nicholas Deal 
Jesse Bonsall 



Edward Humphreys 
Henry Lawrence 
Richard Thomas 
Win. Montgomery 
— Persifor Frazer — 
Thomas Taylor 
John Foulke 
Robt. Mendenhall 
Joseph Pennell 
George Peirce 
Nich. Fairlamb 
Samuel Trimble 
Charles Dilworth 
John Hannum 
George Hoopes 

66 



Thomas Evans 
John Hartman 
Dr. Branson Van Lear 
William Evans 
Joseph Cowan 
Thomas Haslep 
Patterson Bell 
Dr. Jonathan Morris 
Andrew Mitchell 
Thomas Buffington 
James Bennett 
Joseph Musgrave 
William Miller 
Richard Hower 
Walter Finney 



Aaron Oakford Joel Baily James Simpson 

Benjamin Brannan Jos. Bishop Jr. David Wherry 

John Talbot John Gilliland James Evans 

Joseph Brown John Kcrlin Thomas Bishop 

Samuel Price Edward Jones William Edwards 

John Crawford William Lewis Jonathan Vernon Jr. 

John Taylor Pat. K. Anderson Lewis Davis Sr. 

Lewis Gronow Joseph Gibbons Jr. Thomas Evans 

Josua Evans 

Which Committee are to be and continue from this time until one 
month after the rising of the next Continental Congress, with full 
power to transact such business, and enter into such associations as to 
them shall appear expedient. 

After the above Committeemen were chosen, they organized by 
electing Anthony Wayne Esq. Chairman, and Francis Johnston Esq. 
Secretary. The following - resolves were passed unanimously and re- 
corded with the accompanying minute: — 

ist. That any twelve or more of the Committee, meeting upon due 
notice be empowered to enter upon and transact all such business as 
shall come under their consideration, — provided that the majority 
agreeing shall not be less than twelve. 

_'d. That the present unhappy situation of public affairs in general, 
and of this province in particular, render it highly necessary a Provin- 
cial Convention should lie held as soon as possible; for which purpose 
twelve persons shall be appointed out of the said Committee as Dele- 
gates to attend the said Convention, at such time and place as shall be 
generally agreed on. 

The Committee then adjourned till Monday the Qth, of January 
1775. to meet at the house of David Cowpland in the Borough of Ches- 
ter, at 10 o'clock A. M. at which time and place it is expected that each 
member will give due attendance. (By order of the Committee), 

Francis Johnston Secretary 

Extract from the minutes of Chester County Committee. March 
20th, 1775. Pursuant to adjournment and public notice given, the 
Committee of Chester County met at the house of Richard Cheney, in 
East Cain. 

On motion ordered, that Mr. Hockley, Mr Johnston, Mr Gronow, 
Mr. Lloyd. Mr Frazer, Mr. Moore, and Mr. Taylor, be, and they are 
hereby appointed a Committee to essay a draught of a petition to pre- 
sent to the General Assembly of this Province, with regard to the 
manumission of Slaves, especially relating to the freedom of infants 
hereafter born of black women, within this Colony, — and do make re- 
"port of the same to this Committee at their next meeting. 

(hi motion. Ordered, that each member in this Committee will use 

67 



his utmost diligence in collecting the several sums of money subscribed 
for the use of Boston, and pay the same into the hands of Anthony 
Wayne Esq. Treasurer, at the next meeting of the Committee. 

The Committee, then adjourned, to meet at the house of David 
Cowpland in the Borough of Chester, on Wednesday the 31st, of May 
next. 

(By order of the Committee, Francis Johnston, Secretary.) 



In January 1775 Persifor Frazer was elected a Delegate to the 
Provincial Convention which unanimously adopted a resolution 
"to procure a law prohibiting in the future the importation of 
Slaves into this Province," in opposition to the policy of Great 
Britain. 

Jany 23/d 1775 

The Provincial Convention met the Committee of Philadelphia 
informed the Various Counties what the intention of Calling them 
together was, Adjourn'd 'till ten next Morning without doing any 
other Business. 

24th Met according to Adjournment. A Motion was made by M/r 
Biddle to Settle the Mode of Voting, that each County have One 
Vote and the City of Philad/a One Vote. Oppos'd by M/r Aus- 
tin. Carried in the Affirmative. A Motion made by M/r Will- 
son that the Proceedings Should be Read and carr/d in the affir- 
mative. A Motion by M/r Willson that this Convention should 
give their hearty approbation to the said proceedings, likewise 
that the thanks of this Com/e should be given to said Con- 
gress. Amendment propos'd by M/r Owen Biddle that Whereas 
the House of Assembly had taken into Consideration the Conduct 
and proceedings of the Late Congress and had approv'd of the 
same, therefore We Do Resolve strictly to Comply with the Asso- 
ciation Articles and return them our hearty thanks for their dis- 
interested Care and trouble in guarding the liberties of America 
This warmly debated etc. thrown out — the first motion carried in 
the Affirmative — Motion by M/r Taylor for thanks to the House 
of Assembly for their approving the proceedings of the Congress 
— debated and carried in the Negative — Motion by M/r Hartley 
to appoint a Committee to form some Plan for Home Manufac- 
tures — Committee appointed and adjourn'd to ten O'Clock next 
Day— 

68 



25th Met according- to Adjournment. A Motion made by M/r Lam- 
bert Cadwalader seconded by M/r Rush — amendment offer'd by 
M/r Thomson for to draw up instructions to the i louse of Assem- 
bly in order to procure a Law for the Prohibition of the importa- 
tion of Slaves — A motion made bj M r Thomson for measures to 
prevent the importation of Convicts. Objected to By M/r Biddle 
on account of a Law already provided. A motion by M/r Will- 
son for providing- Relief for the City of Philadelphia in Case of 
Suspension of Trade etc., after being long; debated and altera- 
tions made, it was agreed that the Several Counties of this Prov- 
ince ought and that the members of this Convention will exert 
their utmost endeavors to afford them all necessary Relief. A 
Motion made by M/r Biddle that in Case the Committee of any 
particular County should meet with opposition, that the other 
Counties give them all the Assistance and weight in their Tower. 

26th Met ami Motion was made by M r Mifflin for a Resolve that in 
Case his Administration should endeavor to carry their oppressive 
Measures into Execution by Force of Arms and the Petition to 
the Throne fail of Success, that we will at all Hazard Resist such 
Force, this motion to on the Table 'till tomorrow. Adjourned 
'till four OClock — Met the Committee for preparing (torn) Plan 
for encouraging- the Several Manufactories necessary. Brought 
in their Plan — On Examination Six of these Articles Adopted. 
Adjournd 'till tomorrow. 

Endorsed Rough Minutes of 
Convention 
Jan/y 23/d 1775 



My D/r Polly 

I have not been out of Town since I came on Sunday, have 
been waiting for M/r Thomson who Came into Town Yesterday and 
appointed a meeting but M/r McMurtrie did not appear. We ex- 
pected another meeting this morning, by M r Thompson is oblig'd to 
go Home as he lives about 8 Miles in the Jerseys, and has appointed 
to meet Us at the Ferry in the Jersey Side on Monday at 9 OClock. 
1 am determin'd to have the matter out before I leave this, as I made it 
appear that M/r Maurignolt had Examin'd my Acc/t tho' McMurtrie 
has told every One, that I took the Books away before he had done. 
I expected the Colt in here but have seen nothing of her please to send 
Torn Riley with her tomorrow and send me a shirt and a pair of Stock- 
ings, let Tom Ride the little Grey Horse. I expect to have done on 

69 



Monday or Tuesday. I hope you and little Sally are better than when 
I left you — no Man had ever to deal with such a Devil As McMurtrie 
however I have great Hopes all will End well. I am determin'd never 
to Come here again on this Business. As I think I have done every- 
thing in my power— let Tom Come tomorrow by all Means 
I remain my Dear Love 

Your Affectionate Husband 

Pers/r Frazer 
Saturday Jany. 20/th 
Addressed To 

M/rs Mary Frazer 
pr favour of M/r Thornbury 
Abram. Hoops 



April 30. 1775. Letter from Jno Potts to unnamed complaining 

of non payment of absconding Calvert's bond 



Jan. 3. 1770 to June 3. 1775. Per/s Frazer's acct with S. Shaw. 

Apl. 15. 1777. Signed Sam/1 Shaw 



Aug. 28. 1775 At the Request of John Peirce I do hereby Testify and 
declare, that at the time his wife went to Frazors, and 
Lay in did not drive her out of the House as was Re- 
ported neither did he give her any provocation to leave 
his hous, as I was present and heard every thing that 
pass'd, he neither Touch'd her, nor gave her any ill or 
Threatening language, he had been out with his gun, 
and came home tir'd and hungry, and Quickly ask'd 
her for Some Victuals, She Crossly and ngryly said to 
him, she would not get any etc. She sometime after 
dressed her Self, and set off on foot, I told him she was 
gone, he desired me to follow and tell to come back 
and get a horse to Ride if she must go ; the whole is 
the Truth which I'm free to be Quallifyd to, if Re- 
quir'd, given under my hand this 28/th 8/mo 1775 

her 
Eliz/h Hilliard 
mark 



Nov. 25. 1775. Promis. note and bond of P. F. to Caleb Brinton 
of Birmingh. twp Chest. Co. for £200, , o, , o, , 



Dec. 26. 1775. In committee Chester county 26 Dec 1775 

Extract from the notes of Assembly 
Resolved That Anthony Wayne, James Moore, Frances 
Johnson Esquirs Doctor Samuel Kennedy, Caleb 
Davis, William Montgomery — Persifor Frazer — and 
Richard Thomas gentlemen be appointed and they are 
hereby appointed to represent this county (if occasion 
be) in Provincial Convention for the ensuing year. 
From the minutes 

By order of the committee 

Frances Johnson Sec/y 



Dec. 30. 1775 

December y/e 30/th 1775 
Dear Sir 

When I saw you Last, I told you I would be at Your House A 
Sunday But as Matters is I Can/t — as to Going to Town with you. it 
will Be of No service, for as I have Consulted my family Concerning 
the Commission Proposed I Must with a great Deal of Regret, De- 
cline it at this time; for Perticular Reasons, which Perhaps when I see 
you ; You/11 be of my opinnon Thefore. With Reluctance, I must Con- 
tinue in the Same Situation ; as at Present ; Untill '—We are actually 
Invaded Upon our own Border, But then the Best family on Earth 
Shall not Detain; Your Humble Servn/t from the Service. 

Tho/s Taylor 
To Capt/11 Frazer 

P. S Do Sir Interseed With Col/e Wayn. to apoint Some other in the 
Service in the Room of Your Hum/e Servent 

Sir I do not know how 
to spell your Name 
therefore Pray Excuse 
Addressed 

To 
Capt/n 

Piersefer Frazer 
Present 



The following are extracts from an unpublished memoir of Persifor 
Frazer by Mr. Joseph S. Harris: 

"The earliest private venture of Persifor Frazer is said to have been 
a country store in the house then owned by Richard Richison at the 
intersection of the 'Old Colonial road' with the road now known as 



'Church Lane,' about a quarter of a mile east of the Harris home- 
stead in East Whiteland, Chester County, but the date of this is not 
known. At another time in his early life he lived about a mile west 
of this store on the 'Old Colonial road' near the White Horse tavern, 
and owned a farm at the intersection of that road with the road which 
runs from Glenloch station on the Pennsylvania Railroad northward 
to Lionville." 

"There are also detailed accounts of the business of Jonathan 
Vaughan and Company relating to Deep Creek Furnace, running from 
April 2, 1762, to July 8, 1767, and aggregating £ 2000/ 17s./ 10 3/4d. 

"From these accounts it appears that Persifor Frazer was a partner 
in the firm, and that he had charge of the finances and of the Com- 
pany's store. The other partners draw on him for money from time 
to time." 

"Jonathan Vaughan, Dennis Whelen, both of Uwchlan, Chester 
County, and Samuel Kennedy, August 5th, 1760, entered into an 
agreement in relation to operating Sarum Forge, belonging to the 
estate of Dr. John Taylor, Whelen being apparently the capitalist of 
the enterprise. 

"October 4, 1760, Vaughan and Kennedy gave Whelen a bond in 
the sum of one thousand pounds lawful money of the province as 
security that they would faithfully observe certain articles of partner- 
ship of the same date between the same parties. John Taylor, the 
younger son of Dr. John Taylor who had owned Sarum Forge during 
his life time, died the year after this agreement was made, and Sarum 
Forge was operated for some years by Jonathan Vaughan and Com- 
pany, Persifor Frazer keeping the accounts of this operation as well 
as of Deep Creek furnace." 

"At some time before 1767 David McMurtrie and Persifor Frazer 
bought out the interests of Dennis Whelen and Samuel Kennedy in 
Sarum Forge, and William Douglas, of Worcester County, Maryland, 
also appears thereafter as a partner of Vaughan and Frazer in an 
agreement dated October 31, 1767. 

"Persifor Frazer had before this time (October 2, 1766,) married 
Mary Worrall Taylor, daughter of the younger John Taylor. Sarum 
Forge had been willed by Dr. John Taylor to his widow, his second 
wife, Elizabeth Taylor, for the term of her life. She had let it with 
its appurtenances for the same term to Daniel Calvert, who had been 
in the employ of Dr. John Taylor, and the somewhat complicated 
agreements of October 31, 1767, appear to have had the purpose of 
divesting the interests of Jonathan Vaughan and Company in Sarum 
Forge that all interests might be vested in Daniel Calvert. With him 
was associated John Thompson who probably represented the children 
of the younger John Taylor, and who, at the same date, gives to 
Vaughan, Douglas, McMurtrie and Frazer, a bond in the sum of two 

72 



hundred pounds to free them of the obligations under the lease of 
August 5, 1760, which obligations were assumed by Daniel Calvert. 
Vaughan and Douglas are, in these papers, represented as being of 
Worcester County, Maryland, McMurtrie as of Philadelphia, and 
Frazer as of Ashton township, which adjoined Thornbury township 
on the Southeast — Sarum Forge being near the boundary line between 
the two townships." 

"To close up the business of Jonathan Vaughan and Company at 
Sarum Forge, Persifor Frazer held a vendue November 5, 1707, at 
which he sold the personal property, other than that taken over by 
Thompson; household furniture, live-stock, tools, store goods, etc. 
As the proceeds of the sale only amounted to £81 10s. lid. it is evi- 
dent that Thompson took over most of the property or Jonathan 
Vaughan and Company had not been carrying on the operations at 
Sarum Forge very vigorously. In fact, so far as we can gather, Sarum 
Forge was never much of a success in anybody's hands after the death 
of Dr. John Taylor. Its products may have fallen in price below a 
remunerative point, and Sarum was not very well located for a profit- 
able enterprise. It was too far from the raw material, and too far, 
also, from a market, so that it could not live in an era of low prices." 

"Persifor Frazer seems at this time to have parted with much of his 
interest in the firm of Jonathan Vaughan and Company, but he did 
not wholly retire from it, for he retained throughout his life an interest 
in the Deep Creek Furnace, and his death in 1792 interfered with his 
purpose of making a visit to that property." 

"Deep Creek Furnace was on Deep Creek, a navigable stream 
tributary to Pocomoke River in Worcester County, Maryland. The 
property consisted of a body of lands in Worcester and Dorchester 
Counties, amounting to 51304 acres, which cost, as shown by a settle- 
ment made August 1, 1767, £ 2999/i4s./6d. The work> were a furnace 
with mills and houses appurtenant in Worcester County, and on an- 
other tract, also in the same County, a forge with mills and houses." 

"Persifor Frazer was, at a later time — but when is not known — asso- 
ciated with Jonathan Vaughan in the operation of iron works in Ox- 
ford township, Chester County, near the Maryland border. After the 
dissolution of the partnership of Jonathan Vaughan and Company, he 
became interested in the management of Sarum Forge for the heirs 
of Dr. John Taylor. March 31, 1770, he and James Thomson, who 
had married Mrs. Frazer's sister Sarah, took the lease off the hands 
of Daniel Calvert for the remainder of the term of the life of Elizabeth 
Taylor. He had, March 6, 1770, executed in favor of John Hannum 
a mortgage for £300 on a farm in Thornbury township. This farm 
was apparently a part of the Taylor Estate and the mortgage was 
probably given to raise money for working capital for Sarum Forge. 
His brother-in-law, Isaac Taylor, was also interested in this venture. 

72, 



He draws a draft on him in favor of John Potts of Philadelphia for 
£30, October 31, 1771." 

"It is difficult to trace the various changes of management through 
which the iron works passed, but Persifor Frazer seems to have been 
long connected with the management. While he was away from 
home during the Revolutionary War, the experiment of leasing them 
was again tried, but again unsuccessfully, as his brother-in-law, James 
Thomson, writes to him at Ticonderoga, New York, under date of 
August 21, 1776 — 'Old Joab Fallows is doing no good with the forge, 
and I think against Spring will not be able to pay the rent.' Later 
it was one of the daily duties, which his wife. 1 took upon herself during 
his absence in the army, to ride down to the iron works before break- 
fast to see that work was properly carried on there." 

"While running the forge he was also making use of some of the 
other facilities for production of various commodities which Dr. John 
Taylor had developed during his energetic life. An account which 
extends from January, 1770, to March, 1776, shows that he furnished 
to S Shaw, of Philadelphia, a large quantity of barrel staves and heads, 
and received from him in return a variety of mill products, bran, ship 
stuff, etc." 

"His early connection with Sarum Forge Works probably led to his 
acquaintance with Mary Worrall Taylor, who became his wife in the 
autumn of 1766. They were married in the Middletown Presbyterian 
Church by Rev. John Ewing, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church 
of Philadelphia, of which church the family of John Frazer were doubt- 
less members, as many of his descendants continued to be for nearly 
a century. The marriage is noted on the records of the church in 
Philadelphia, but the family tradition that the ceremony took place 
at Middletown is doubtless correct, that church being within two miles 
of the bride's home. It is remembered that when the young couple 
first appeared in the church, it was the popular verdict that they were 
the handsomest pair ever seen there." 

This distinguished clergyman was subsequently Provost of the University of 
Pennsylvania and chief of a commission to extend the Mason and Dixon boundary 
line westward to the Ohio. The itinerary of this interesting journey with his 
rough field notes were among the papers of General Persifor Frazer, and were lately 
purchased and published by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

"There was some opposition to the marriage of Persifor Frazer, as 
there was to his father's marriage. John Taylor, the father of the 
bride, had died in 1761, and her mother married about 1763, John 
Pierce, a well-to-do Quaker of Thornbury, who was also a preacher, 
and there was a strong feeling of disapproval among Friends of the 
marriage of their people with the later comers of another faith who 
were pushing their way so vigorously into a colony which Friends had 

74 



founded, and which they hoped was to remain their special preserve 
and the nursery of their faith. The records of their meetings about 
this time are full of cases of people who, having married 'out of meet- 
ing,' came back and said that they were sorry for having committed 
a breach of discipline." 

"Persifor Frazer's wife was much pressed to make a similar ac- 
knowledgment of error, but would go no further than that 'she was 
quite ready to say that she was very sorry to have wounded the feelings 
of Friends, but nobody should ever hear her say that she was sorry she 
had married Persifor Frazer.' " 

"John Fierce, who doubtless deserved the reputation he leases in 
the family tradition of being a surly soul, carried his opposition to the 
marriage of his step-daughter so far that the young pair who remained 
at the home of the bride's mother till after the birth of their first child 
in January, 1769, found it more agreeable after that time to make a 
new home for themselves. The bride's mother went with them, 
which caused still greater wrath on the part of John Pierce, and re- 
sulted in a notice to Persifor Frazer, dated January 23, 1769, 'not to 
keep, harbor, or entertain my wife in or about thy house as thee to ye 
contrary shall answer for so doing another day.' This notice having 
no effect it was followed up by a bill of expenses arising () ut of the 
'entertainment of Persifor Frazer and his wife at John Pierce's house 
from December 6, 1766.' 

"The storm blew over. Friends of those days who would not fight, 
did not consider themselves debarred from the privilege of making 
themselves disagreeable and using harsh words, but Sarah Pierce con- 
tinued to live with her daughter, and John Pierce contented himself as 
he best could, though occasionally growling as late as August, 1775." 

"( Ither than this family jar, nothing seems to have marred the 
happiness of the Frazer home. Four children came to it before they 
celebrated the tenth anniversary of their wedding day, and Mrs. 
Frazer in after years, when the country's troubles took her husband 
so much away from home, looked back with fond regret to those early 
peaceful days. 

"It can be fairly said for Persifor Frazer not only that he had a 
charming and noble wife, but that he must, himself, have had much 
attractiveness to have won and kept such devoted love as she gave 
him. Such expressions of a warm and heartfelt though perfectly dig- 
nified and sane affection as constantly occur in her letters to him are 
rare in the formal correspondence of the days in which they lived, and 
throw a pleasing halo over their busy and earnest lives." 

"Persifor Frazer's connection with public affairs, which was to con- 
tinue throughout his life, began before his marriage, for we find it of 
record that in January, 1765, which was probably before he got quite 
out of touch with affairs in Philadelphia, he was appointed a delegate 

75 



CHAPTER II 
The Year 1776 



1776 

At the very beginning of January of this year the Fourth Battalion 
of the Penna. line was organised with Anthony Wayne in command. 
As Persifor Frazer and he were life long friends the former raised and 
commanded the first Company of this Battalion and the other comp- 
anies were commanded as follows : 

Captain i. Persifor Frazer, of Chester county. 

2. Thomas Robinson, " 

3. John Lacey, of Bucks county. 

4. Caleb North, of Chester county. 

5. Thomas Church, of Lancaster county. 

6. Frederick Vernon, of Chester county. 

7. James Moore, 

8. James Taylor, 

These were severally commissioned by the Continental Congress, 
on the 5th of January, 1776. 

The commission of the first named here follows 

IN CONGRESS. 
The Delegates of the United Colonies of New-Hampshire, Massa- 
chusetts Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jer- 
sey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent, and Sussex 
on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Caro- 
lina, and Georgia, to 

Persifor Frazer Esquire (written) 
WE reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism.. Val- 
our, Conduct and Fidelity, DO by these Presents, constitute and 
appoint you to be a Captain (written) of the 

Fourth Battalion of Pennsylvania Troops 
in the Army of the United Colonies raised for the defence of Ameri- 
can Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are 
therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of Captain 
(written) by doing and performing all Manner of Things therunto 
belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and 
Soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as 
Captain (written). And you are to observe and follow such Orders 

78 



and Directions from 'I "ime to Time, as you shall receive from this or 
a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress, 
for the Purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being 
of the Army of the United Colonies, or any other your superior < Mii 
cer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of 
the Trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in Force 
until revoked by this or a future Congress. 
Philadelphia January 5th 1776 (written) 

By Order of the Congress 

John Hancock President 
Attest. Cha Thomson Secy 



(Printed sheet) 
IN CONGRESS, January 17, 1776. 
RESOLVED, 

THAT the Colonies of the several Battalions, ordered to be raised, 
do immediately order their Officers on recruiting service, to such 
parts where they are best known and have the greatest probability of 
success. 

That the Recruiting Officers ought to be careful to inlist none but 
healthy, sound, and able bodied men, not under sixteen years of age. 

That the Colonels of the several Battalions aforesaid appoint some 
place or places of rendezvous to which the recruits may be sent, and 
where the Battalions may be quartered. 

That the greatest attention ought to be paid to the behaviour of 
the Troops in quarters, that they may give no reasonable cause of 
complaint. 

That the quarters of the Troops be duly discharged once every week. 

That an allowance of Ten Shillings per man be made to the Recruit- 
ing Officers in lieu of their expences in recruiting, exclusive of the 
subsistence money allowed them, and that in case any men be inlisted 
contrary to the foregoing regulations, the pay they may have received 
and the subsistence money they may be paid for them shall be stopped 
from the pay of such Recruiting Officers. 

That The Colonels of the several Pennsylvania Battalions be sup- 
plied with money for the recruiting service by the Committee of 
Safety of Pennsylvania, and disburse the same to the several Recruit- 
ing ( )fficers, the Colonels and other Officers to be accountable for 
what they shall receive, and all arrears they may fall into to be stopped 
from their pay. 

That no bought indented servants be employed on board the Fleet 
or in the Army of the United Colonies, without the consent of their 
masters. 

Extracts from the Minutes. 
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary. 

79 



Jan. 26. 1776 

January 26/th 1776 
Sir 

You are to Continue to Enlist men for the Purpose of filling 
your Company as soon as Possible in the Fourth Battalion under my 
Command — in doing of which you are to be governed by the Rules 
and Resolves of Congress. 

You are at Liberty to Offer the men by way of Bounty One pair of 
new Shoes, a pair of new stockings a new Hat, the value of ten Shill- 
ings in other Clothing, in place of a hunting Shirt, a new Blanket — 
or if they find one of their own Two Dollars for it, with liberty to take 
it away at the end of the Campaign — Five Dollars pr month and one 
Dollar pr week Subsistance Money until the join the Battalion, 

Fifty Shillings pr month if Ordered for Canada ; Such of your men 
as can procure good Muskets or Rifles will find their advantage in 
bringing them along 

By a late Resolve of Congress no Soldier is to be arrested unless 
he is justly Indebted to one Person more than 35 Dollars — nor shall 
his Effects be liable to attachment at the suit or for the benefit of all 
his Creditors, unless their debts in the whole on being ascertained by 
their Oaths amounts to more than 150 Dollars 

You are to Render yourself at Chester on Friday the 9/th of Feb- 
ruary next with all such men as you then have or can Enlist 

I wish you Success and am D/r S/r 
To Your most Ob/t Hum/1 Ser/t 

Cap/t Frazer Anty Wayne 

If you shou'd meet with any Opposition in Recruiting you'l apply to 
the Committee of the County where Such Oposition has been given 
who will afford you Assistance 



Jan. 29. 1776. 

January y/e 29/th 1776 
Dear Sir 

I Thought to have been at your House this day But the 
fetage(sic) of Business Requires a Respite Therefore you/11 Obliege me 
if you/11 send that Money in your Hands from, Col/n Wayne by the 
Bearer (my son) as I must Go this Evening toward the Half-way 
House ; and Expect you/11 be on the Service and from Home. Pray 
Excuse the day for y/e Reasons Offer/d so Remans your Hum. S/t 

Tho/s. Taylor 
To Cap/tn Frazer 

Addressed fo 

Cap/tn 

Persifor Frazer 
These 
80 



March 21. 1776. Promis. note and bond of P. F. to Caleb Brinton 

Birmingh. twp. Chest. Co. for £130, , o, , o, , 



(Printed sheet) 

CHESTER, March 23. 1776. 
ALL such Soldiers as are absent without leave, or that have deserted 
from any of the Companies belonging to the 4th Battalion of Penn- 
sylvania Troops, who will join the same now stationed at Chester and 
Marcus-Hook, on or before the 10/th day of April next, shall be re- 
ceived with full PARDON; and all such as remain absent after that 
date will be advertised and punished as DESERTERS. 

All House-keepers or others harbouring or entertaining any De- 
serters, knowing them to be such, will be fined FIFTY DOLLARS 
for every offence, or suffer six months imprisonment, agreeable to a 
late Resolve of CONGRESS, confirmed by the House of Assembly 
of Pcnnsvlvania. 

ANTHONY WAYNE, 
Col. 4th Bat. Penn. Troops. 
Printed by JOHN DUNLAP, (torn) Philadelphia 



April 6. 1776 

April 6/th 1776 
Cap/t Fraser 
Sir 

At the Instance of Col Dewees who I know has been 
a Considerable Sufferer by men Inlisting in his dept — I am to Request 
that you'd Discharge a Certain Francis Jones — you'l under these Cir- 
cumstances make the matter as easy as possible to Col Dewees as the 
cost if any will come out of his Pocket 

I am S. your most Ob/t S/r Anty Wayne 



My D/r Polly 

This evening or tomorrow I go to Philad/a on Friday 
I expect to be at Home on Sunday my Company will march, Colonel 
Johnston says I must stay here w/th him till the last of the men march. 
Please to send one of the Boys w/th a Horse for me on Friday. I 
have nothing new. my best Love to you all 

Am yr. Affect. Husband 

Persifor Frazer 
Chester Apr. 8/th, 1776 
For Mrs Frazer P fa v. of Mr Griffithe 

81 



Cap/t Frazer D/r to George Speer for Boarding 

Hezekiah Ragg To 4 weeks at 7/6 p/r £1 — 10 — o 

Paul Ellis To 1 D/o at 7/6 p/r 7—6 

John Tanner To 2 D/o at D 1 5 — o 

£2. 12 6 
An Order by Hezekiah Ragg 1, , 6, , 1 1 

£ 3 19 5 

Received Ap/1 15/th 1776 the above Sum of Three Pounds nineteen 
Shillings and five pence from Cap/t Frazer in full of all Demands 
ag/t him 

George Spear 



My D/r Polly 

Tomorrow I am to go to Philad/a I shall return again 
I expect on Thursday Evening and shall be at home on Saturday 
evening if possible. 

Pleas to send me a Couple Clean Shirts Stocks and Stockings by the 
Bearer I know not when the Company will March but expect some 
time next week, my love to> the Children and am my d/r Polly y/r 
loving Husband 

Pers/r Frazer. 
April 23. 1776 

I have sent some dirty Clothes home. 

For Mrs Frazer 



May 1. 1776. 

Chester, May i/st ijj6 
Cap/t Tayler 

(Sir) you are to maeke your Selves, and Cap/t Church 
both with your Compaynees Ready to march to morrow morning to 
New york the Close for your Comp/s will be at the Hook this Even- 
ing: and you will Embark to morrow morning with the first High 
waather you will Call heire, for the Coullers to take on Board the 
shallup, whear Cap/ta Church/s Comp. are 

Nich : Haussegger 
Major 4 Bat/1 P. R. 

82 



My D/r Polly 

I have finished all my business here and a ready to 
set off for Bristol tomorrow morning I shall give you directions when 
I get to Camp in what manner to forward your Letters. 

Should old Noblit be troublesome to you you had better applj to 
Mr. Cheyney and he will direct you the short method to take by Jury 
and a Justice, (or 3 Justices 1 

I have agreed to have the Evening Post sent to Tommy Evans's. 
1 have inclos'd the Lease between Thomas Taylor and Jemmy and 
myself please to let Jemmy have it 1 have not more to add but my 
best wishes to all friends my love to my D/r Children and my un- 
feigned love to yourself and am y/r Affect. Husband. 

To Mrs Mary Frazer 
p. fav/r Mr Jones Thornbury 



My D/r Polly 

Orders have come down this day from Genl. Wash- 
inton for our Regiment to March as soon as they can be Cloathed 
and Equip'd. I am just setting off for Philad a with Colonel John- 
ston shall be at Home Sunday or Monday do get every thing ready as 
soon as possible, the latter end of next Week will be the extent of 
my stay. 

I am Yr. Affect/e Husband 

Pers/r Frazer. 
To Mrs. Mary Frazer Thornbury 



May 4. (1776) 

New York Mrch/ts Coffee House May 4/th 
Sir 

as I am informed you are the first Captain in Col/1 Wayne's 
Battalion of which I have been lately appointed Chaplain in Connec- 
tion w/th Col/1 Hand's Battalion of Riflemen, and that it is your 
Office to draw y/e pay of the Field and staff Officers. 1 am under the 
necessoty of troubling you in this way in order to secure the arrears 
which are due to me from the first of January last — I need not per- 
haps mention to you that by order of the Commander in Chief one 
half of the Chaplain's Pay is to be drawn by one of the Regiments 
which he serves, and the other half by the other — I have received the 
half by Col/1 Hand from the first of Jan/y to the first of April — But 
should your Regiment go off to Canada before the remaining half due 
from the first of January to the first of May, to be drawn by you be 

83 



secured, I may probably loose it, as the advantage of having it drawn 
in the proper way will then be removed — I do not, Sir, apply to you 
without having first spoken to Col/1 Wayne, who was pleased to refer 
me to you — It would give me pleasure to see you personally Be as- 
sured however of my best Wishes and Prayers for your safety, honour 
and success in your Canadian expedition — 

If you will be so kind as to give yourself the trouble of serving me 
in this instance you will lay me under very particular obligation — I 
have could wish that the money, when drawn, might be left in trust 
w/h M/r Cornelius Bradford at the Merchant's Coffee House — I have 
mentioned to him your Name and the Sum and desired him to receive 
it and give you a Receipt — 

I am, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend 
and very humble servant 

Samuel Blair — Chaplain 

to Col/1 Hand's and Col/1 Wayne's Battalions 
Cap/t Persifor Frazier 

Addressed 

To 
Cap/t Persifor Frazier 
New-York 



Long Island May 23/d 1776. 
My D/r Polly 

I left Philad/a this day Week in Compy. with Doc/r 
Kennedy and arrived Safe at New York on Saturday Evening on Sun- 
day came over to this place and found everything and every Person 
as well as I could desire. We are situated opposite to New York ab/t 
3/4 of a Mile from it, in the pleasantest place I ever yet beheld both 
for improvements and prospect, it is expected We shall continue here 
as an Armament is dayly look for from England or Halifax. We have 
not yet got Arms for the Companys now here but expect shortly we 
shall be fully supply'd, there are not less than 10 different Fortifica- 
tions now very forward on this and the New York side w/ch it is 
thought will be sufficient for the defense of the Capital and disap- 
point our Enemies in their Schemes of making any great progress in 
this Country, the Force now in this Neighbourhood amount to ab/t 
10 or 12 Thousand Men and it is expected the other Troops rais/d in 
our Government will be order'd here. The news from Quebec is bad 
but not so much so as the first acc/ts mention. We have lost but 
ab/t 200 of our Sick 14 pieces of Artillery and some Baggage, our 
Troops are now in good condition ab. 45 Miles above Quebec where 
they propose to make a stand. — 

84 



Our Men with out ilatterry exceed all the other Troops both in ap- 
]• arance and Subordination they are respected by all the inhabitants 
and hope we shall continue to deserve the character We have acquired. 
Jem Young deserted the other day if you can hear anything of him 
send word to Capt. Anderson at Chester to have him taken up and 
immediately confin'd and every Person that has harbour him ought to 
be dealt with with the greatest severity. The Blue Cloath at Darby 
if is good and looks well wou'd advise you not to dispose of it and it 
is likely 1 shall want a Suit of it for my own use, I have got one p i 
cotton Stockings the other cotton thread 1 left with the Stocking 
Weaver who's Name is deshong and lives on the South side of Mar- 
ket Street within a Door or two of furthest House next the Commons 
I did not pay him for Weaving the pair I have got — if you should hear 
of any safe hand please to send them. 

I have been llonour'd with the Acquaintance of General Green who 
Commands on this Island in whose Company 1 have been frequently 
He is an Accomplish'd line Gentleman and respected by all ranks, 
should be happy in being continu'd under his Command. 

If the New England Troops do not fight better than their appear- 
ance indicate they will make a poor hand of it. I have not more 
worth notice to inform you off. Give my best respects to Nancy 
Sally Thomson, Betsy Taylor Isaac, Jemmy, Tommy Cheney, Tommy 
Taylor Westtown, Capt Anderson and all other enquiring friends. My 
most ardent Wishes attend my D/r Children and wish you my D/r 
Polly Life Health and Prudence and am Yr. Affectionate Husband. 

Pers/r Frazer 
Should you write direct to me of the 4/th Pennsylv/a Regiment com- 
man/d by Col Wayne at Long Island. This goes inclos'd to Mrs 
Kennedy by a person going to Lancaster 

To Mrs Mary Frazer Thornbury Township Chester County. 

June 4/th [776. 
M/r Oliver please to forward this it came inclosed to me to Day 
and has been Detained at Phil/a I got one from the D r Wrote since 
which says the dayly expect an attack Sarah Kennedy 



May 25. 1776 

Long Island May 25/th 1776 
Col. Johnston's Orders 
As it is not known what moment the Enemy will make an attack 
upon us, it is therefore highly requisite to make every preparation 
in our power for their reception — 

The Works on this Island not being yet finish'd, we must 

85 



therefore use every mean in our power to expedite the same — 

For this purpose Order out as soon as possible, this afternoon, 
the Comp'y next in tour of Duty, on fatigue — Let the officers at- 
tend with the men, and keep them employ'd — this however seems 
needless, as our Men have gained great Credit in the Army as, 
active industrious men — 
Endorsed 

Capt/n Frazer Or 
the Command/g off/r 
of 4/th Penn : Batt/n 



May 28. 1776. Dear Maddam 

I have sent the Mare by the safest hands that I could find : and 
have use/d her weell, according to Cap/t Frazers Request, but not 
so soon as as I Expected — I heard from the Captain this Day and 
hee is in Good Health and I shall sett out for New York Tomor- 
row Morning Early, soner than I Expected but It is General 
washingtons Orders which Gives me some Trouble as I have not 
a formal Leave of my Family, but have the Promise of Returning 
in two or three weeks to see my wife and family and hope to 
have the plasure of Cap/n Frazers Companey which I Dare say 
will be Verry agreeable to you 

From Yours Maddam 

John Harper 
Phila/d May y/e 
28/th 1776 

N : B Please to Give my Complyments to my Friends 
Addressed For 

M/rs Mary Frazer 
in 
Thornbury 
To Care of Chester County 
M/r Cartin 



Long Island June 7/th, 1776. 
My D/r Polly 

I wrote to you about 2 Weeks ago the Letter was 
inclos'd to Mrs. Kennedy. I have receiv'd no Account from you since 
my arrival in this place, but a verbal one by Mr. Harper who arriv'd 
here on Monday last and inform'd me that he heard you were all well, 
I continue in my Usual health indeed the whole five Companies en- 
camp'd here are remarkably healthy not above one or two any way 
disorder'd We have not yet got Arms but are in daily expectation of 

86 



those that were taken lately near Boston, when I expect We shall be 
compleatly Arm'd, whether we shall go to Quebec or stay is not cer- 
tain, but think it most probable this Island will be our station as Gen- 
eral Green seems very fond of our joining his Brigade; the Fortifica- 
tions in this neighbourhood are very numerous one or two New Ones 
lately constructed, those that were first began are nearly compleat, 
and the whole make a very formidable appearance, the last news from 
Quebec is favourable about 1500 of our Men under General Arnold 
have defeated a large Body of Regulars Canadians and Indians mar 
Montreal some Acc/ts say they have killed and taken the whole | 
consisting of 700. Two small parties of ours had been defeated by 
them before Genl. Arnold attack'd them. 

There are a very last numbers of Tories in this Island and Neigh- 
bourhood there was information given the other day to I teneral I'm 
nam that a number of the most noted of them in this Government 
were to meet near thirty miles from this place on Tuesday last and 
Governor Tryon with them. Colonel Johnston and myself were sent 
off in disguise to reconnoitre the Neighbourhood where thej were to 
have met. — 

On Monday night last. A number of Rifle men and the Xew Eng- 
land Troops amountg. to upwards of 250 set off in the night in order 
to bring those in We should discover. We proceeded to Jam 
and Hampstead two noted Tory Vilages the one ab/t [2 the other 
about 25 Miles from hence. We had not time to make all the di 
eries We would wish before the Troops who had march'd very Quick 
came up with Us. The Tories took the Alarm through the Country 
where the Troops pass'd and Expresses were dispatch'd to their Lead 
ers. Two of their principals were taken; Tryon had not come on 
Shore nor can I think he intended it, but from the Conversation We 
had believe there was to have been a Meeting of some of them. We 
personated Tories so well that no one of them had any suspicion of 
our assum'd characeter, but all the men women and Children we met 
with were of the most villainous principles of any I ever yet heard. 
had the Honour the other day to be in Company with General Put- 
nam and several other officers and went with him in his Barge from 
New York to visit the Fortifications on Governors Island and I'aulus 
Hook, both of them opposite New York, he is a smart, active in- 
defatigable Old Gentleman and appears very sensible in his pro- 
fession. — 

I am very sorry to hear there is likely to be such division in our 
Province I am clearly of Opinion the Convention scheme is very im- 
politic and unnecessary at this time, could wish the leaders of the con 
tending parties wou'd take more pains to unite and conform to each 
others sentiments for the General good, I am very well satisfied 1 am 

87 



from among them at this time as contentions of any kind are very dis- 
agreeable to me. 

If you could send the Cloth to Mr Henry in Philadelphia as also the 
stockings and my other Hat if they cou'd be put into a small Box 
and go by the stage Waggon or Coach in the Care of some safe hand, 
I find I shall have occasion enough of them. — 

I was yesterday about 12 miles from this viewing the shipping near 
the sea, I counted 6 large ships and 6 smaller ones most of the larger 
are ships of war and some of the smaller Tenders, none have yet 
arriv'd from England as We can hear. Please to send your Letters 
to Mrs. Kennedy She is to send hers and yours inclos'd to Mr Brad- 
ford in Philadelphia and he is to send them to his Brother who keeps 
the Coffee House in New York. Shoud be extremely Glad to receive 
a Line from you. I have nothing more worthy of your notice to in- 
form you of. Major Haussuker D/r Kennedy and myself Lodge at a 
private House near the Camp, a very genteel commodious, pleasant 
place as ever I saw, and the people extremely agreeable, the other 
Officers Mess together at a House at the Camp Great Harmony has 
hitherto subsisted among the whole Officers and men indeed nothing 
is disagreeable only the troubles subsisting in the Continent and ab- 
sence from my dear little Family. 

Give my best and warmest respects to Your Mother, Brother, Sis- 
ter, my Sister Nancy, my old Friends and associates that enquir 
after me. 

I am my D/r Polly wishing you and my little ones every blessing 
Heaven can shower on you Your Affectionate Husband. 

Persifor Frazer 
To Mrs Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township, Chester County, Penn- 
sylvania recommended to the care of Mrs. Harper, Wilmington. 
P. fav. Mr. Littler. 



June 10 1776 
My D/r Polly 

I wrote to you the other day by Mr. Littler of Wil- 
mington directed to the care of Mrs Harper and there was a letter in- 
clos'd to Mrs Kennedy which desire you may forward imediately ; I ex- 
pect Mr Vernon will see Mr Littler as he has not yet left York and he 
will get the Letter from him and forward that and this to you I wrote 
to you a few days after my arrival here under cover to Mrs. Kennedy 
w/ch I hope you have receiv'd. I have nothing new to inform you 
since Writing the last, shall continue to write every opportunity and 
expect you will not fail to let me hear from you as often as possible. 
When you send the articles I mention'd in my last please to send me 
some Linnen for Lining dont forget the Stockings in Philadelp/a 

SS 



Let me know how many Shirts I had with me as I think I have lost 
<mc, as I have but 5 now, please to expedite the cloath and other 
things as Quick as possible. Remember me to every Friend My 
love to my D/r Children I am my Dr Polly 

Long Island Your affectionate Husband 

June 10/th 1776 Persifor Frazer 

To 

Mrs Mary Frazer Thornbury Township Chester Co. 

p fav/r of Mr Vernon 



Long Island June 17/th 1771. 
My D/r Polly 

I have wrote three letters to you since my arrival 
here no answer has yet come to my Hands. Docl ; Kennedy has 
received two Letters; he has obtained liberty to be absent for 8 or 10 
days I have therefore taken this favorable opportunity to inform you 
of my welfare, he has promis'd me that he will wait upon you before 
his return he can inform you more fully of our situation and many 
other particulars than 1 can possibly recollect or bring in the Compass 
of a Letter. We have a great deal of Xews Stirring here on both 
sides the Question and any man fond of hearing and relating novel- 
ties may have full employment for his Talents in this place, 1 am not 
over fond of relating" things without foundation otherwise cou'd in- 
form you of enough to keep you in suspence what judgment to form. 
I have a better opinion of my own Country than I ever expected I 
should have: We have not half the Tory's there, that are to be found 
here, and the worst with you are better Neighbours, better Men and 
better Christians than the moderate Men in this place, they are likely 
to go through the fiery tryal before this week ends, the people upon 
this Island who oppose Public Measures (and indeed there are scarce 
any others as this is the worst part of the province) 1 understand from 
the best authority the Chief of them are to be apprehended, and as 
it is expected the English Army will Land here all the Live stock and 
other provisions which may otherwise be of great advantage to the 
enemy is to be remov'd off the Island. It is expected that an addi- 
tional Number amounting to 10.000, will be in this neighborhood be- 
fore the end of this week our Army will then amount to not less than 
25000 Men besides the Militia that may be call'd in from sundry parts. 
Part of the third and 5/th. Battalion of Pennsylvanians arriv'd at New 
York, yesterday, the remainder will be here before the end of the 
Week." Our News from Canada is much more favorable than the last 
ts I think I inform'd you that two parties of our Men had been 
defeated there and that a strong party under General Arnold had 
fallen upon the Enemy and made the whole of them Prisoners, Only 

89 



the first part of this acc/t has turned out to be true, but by fresh acc/t 
receiv'd yesterday w/ch may be relied upon, a large Number of our 
Army has surrounded the Enemy who were intrench'd on an Island, 
that they threatened unless our General would allow them a Truce of 
six days, and give in exchange for the Prisoners they had Just before 
taken some of their people that had been taken by our arms, that they 
wou'd deliver those in their hands to the Indians who made part of 
their Army to be Massacred, our General rather than trust those 
bloody minded Wretches agreed to their terms and yesterday or to 
day the truce was to expire, at which time he intended to fall upon 
them. Our Army is now fully supplyd w/th Provisions there, Many 
of the Canadians sine the late reinforcements in that Quarter have 
apply'd for Commissions in our Army, our Currency is establish'd 
among them on a good footing and it is hop'd every thing will again 
go well this information has been receiv'd from General Sullivan. 
The Privateers to the Eastward have lately taken some very valuable 
Prizes; one a Jamaica vessel w/th 500 Hh'ds of sugar and other valu- 
able Articles, another Transport with ab/t 100 Scotch Soldiers on 
board with sundry stores, and some say another Transport has been 
sunk however this last is not to be depended upon. It is given out 
by our Generals here that they are in daily expectations of the Fleet 
from England what authority they have for their apprehensions I 
know not, but hope a good account will be given of them should they 
attempt this place. 

If the Cloath is in your opinion good and fit to make a genteel Coat 
do send it by the Doctor with the other things I mention'd in my last 
Letter : should the service continue till Fall shall make a further draw 
upon some of your woolens for a surtout Coat Jacket Breeches etc. 
I cannot recollect any news unmention'd worth your hearing must 
therefore refer you to the Doctor for particulars you must not neglect 
to write every leisure Hour and every opportunity you have. Jem 
Young is not yet taken up nor have I heard anything of him since he 
deserted, I am very suspicious some of your neighbours have advis'd 
him to desert before he left Chester do make all imagineable enquirey 
relating to him. Jemmy Thomson's Boy is not to be heard off in this 
Quarter. I understand the Militia in our Province is to be taken into 
pay, let me know how our Neighborhood turn out. Give my most 
Cordial respects to Mammy Peirce, Isaac Jemmy Sally Betsey. My 
d/r Sister Nancy, Thommy Taylor Ws Town Tommy Cheyney and 
every other my worthy Friends and Neighbors, give each of my sweet 
little Babes a kiss for me, My best Love to those and Conclude my 
dearest Polly your truly affectionate Husband. 

Pers/r Frazer. 
To Mrs. Mary Frazer Thornbury Township, Chester County, 
p fav. of Do/r Kennedy. 
90 



Jun 23/d 1776. 
My I) 1- Percy 

I have Injoyd a poor Steate of hclth Cence our un- 
happy Partting your little ones is well Freidrich has been Sick Twoddel 
affair is left til your return I have received but little monney my 
Neighbors is Exceiding Good and redy to Searve nice you desire to 
know how your Neighborhood turn out to the best of my knowli 
the are 15 men Stronge the Convention Scheme has turnd I 
thinge up side down I am prepairing Cloath for a Surtoul Coat Jacket 
and Breeches wosstid for Stockings please to let know the Culler 
Mammy Nancy Sally Betsey Isaac Jemmy Polly Peirce the tire in 
Good helth Scuds there best respects to you little Sally Sends her 
Love to Daddy little Persifor is the Hansomest Child you have 1 have 
nothing more worthy of your notice Give my respects to all enquiring 
Friends I am my D/r Percy wishing every blessing Heaven can 
Shower an you your affectionate wife 

Mary Worrall Frazer. 
von- had 6 Shirts 7 white and 3 Black Stocks 8 pair of Silk Cotton 
linning and wossted Stockings 
To Cap/t Percifor Frazer 

of the 4/th Pensylv/n 
P. fav/r Regiment Comman/d 

Doc/r Kennedy by Col. Wayne at Long 

Island 



My D/r Polly 

Doct/r Kennedy arriv'd here last night by whom I 
receiv'd your letter w/ch I do assure you gave me the greatest pleas- 
ure to hear of your, the Childrens and friends' Wellfare. We are to 
embark for Albany on Saturday next without arms, unless a remon 
strance which the Officers of our Regim/t to General Washington 
may alter his Orders. We complain to him of the impropriety of the 
measure as there is no probability of our getting .arms there and of 
consequenc We cannot pretend to go further than that place. We 
expect an Answer this day We have been promis'd a number of arms 
w/ch arriv'd here a few days ago from Boston and our disappointm t 
causes great Uneasiness among Us. We have heard that Gen/1 
Thompson has had an engagement w/th some Troops in Canada and 
by his advancing too preciptately he and ab/t 40 others were made 
prisoners, Col/o Wayne we hear was in the engagemenl and behav'd 
remarkably well with' the Troops of our Regim I that were with him, 
there has been a very great overhall among the Tories in this Gov- 
ernment, their scheme has been found out to he an infernal One, the 
Mayor of York and some other principal men who are now in Goal 

01 



were ringleaders they had by the influence of Cash Brib'd three of 
General Washington's guards and had enlisted many men into their 
infernal scheme which in a few days will bring down just retribution 
on their devoted heads ; shall write you more fully of this affair in my 
next, shall expect you will not neglect to write every safe opportunity. 
You may make the Cloath you talk off the Colour of Doc/t Kennedy's 
surtout if you can conveniently, this goes by Eliz/a Young who has 
taken a notion to return she tells me she will certainly deliver this 
imediately on her going to our neighborhood, would be glad you 
wou'd enquire about her son Jem whether he has been in our neigh- 
borhood. I have nothing more to add only that I continue in good 
health and spirits, if our people shou'd be put to the tryal of their 
Courage make no doubt but that they will not disgrace the Cause 
they are engaged in. If I had a safe hand wou'd send you some 
money but that does not offer yet. My sincere Compliments attend 
all friends, relations and by best Wishes and Love to you and my D/r 
little Ones I am my D/r Polly 

Y/r affectionate Husband 

Persifor Frazer. 
Long Island 

Thursday morning, June 27/th 1776. 
To Mrs Mary Frazer in Thornbury Township, Chester County 

Pennsylvania, 
p. fav/r of 
Eliz/a Watson. 



My Dear Polly 

The Vessells are now ready and our Troops will em- 
bark this evening for Albany, it is not likely We shall go further than 
Crown Point or Ticonderoga, it is expected this place will be attack'd 
in a few days, as Vessells are still coming to the mouth of this Bay, 
It is said General Howe is now there, am very sorry We are obliged 
to go at this time when Action is so near at hand, but shall submit to 
what is allotted without repining, if there is not a propability of our 
Troops being soon arm'd the chief of our Officers will resign as it is 
very discouraging to be so long rais'd to no effect Our Canadian Army 
are entirely at the above Forts, as General Burgoyne and a large 
Army have arriv'd in Canada, they have had a Brush with our people 
ab/t 250 of whom are kill'd wounded and taken prisoners. General 
Thomson and 2 or three other officers are among the latter, the great- 
est part of our Army are Sick the am/t 3000, they made their retreat 
good leavg. Scarce anything behind them, it is not expected Burgoyne 
can advance as we have the entire Command of the Lakes by our 
Arm'd Vessells and it will be a very considerable time before they can 

92 



build Boats for their Army and Provisions I wrote you the day before 
yesterday by Lizzy Young which I expect will not come to hand as 
her Husband one John Watson of my Compy has deserted and gone 
with her. When I was in 1'hilad/a I left a Watch belonging to one 
of my men at Mr. John Wood to be repair'd and forgot to (.all for 
it do please to send by some safe hand for it you must send an order 
and keep it safe. 1 will if possible send you some Money before long, 
there are a great Number of Troops daily arriv'g from different 
Quarters here. I do not recollect any material New- worth com- 
municating, give my best Wishes to all my good Neighbours my ob- 
ligations to them for their kindness to you shall never be forgot by 
me, remember my best Love and respects to all relations and enquir- 
ing Friends. May every blessing attend you and my I) r children 
shou'd any accident befal me inculcate into them the Principles of 
Virtue which will of course make them happy here and hereafter. I am 
my Dear Polly 

Your ever affection/t Husband 

Persifor Frazer. 
New York 

June 29/th, 1776 
To Mrs Mary Frazer in Thornbury Township, Chester County 

To the care of Mr Sam/1 Oliver with all speed. 



Lake George at Fort George July 9, 1776 
My Dearest Pollye 

My last to you gave an account of our being 
order'd to March to Albany, We left New York on Saturday Evening 
the 29/th, last month, We had a very agreable passage up the North 
River to Albany w/ch is reckond 180 Miles except the Misfortune of 
loosing a corporal in my Company, who laid himself down to sleep 
on some casks upon Deck and tumbled overboard, he was a tine 
young fellow in every respect, liv'd near Colonel Waynes, and his 
name Joshua Davis. We arriv'd at Albany Tuesday morning early, 
the place by no means answer'd the idea I had form'd of it. the build- 
ings in general old fashion'd and very irregular the inhabitants as un- 
couth as their dwellings. We were there furnish'd with Arms (the 
greatest part ordinary) and some other necessarie- and set "!t for this 
place on thursday morning by land and arriv'd on Sunday about noon 
the distance near 70 miles. I travell'd in a waggon .about to mile-, at 
first setting out, and march'd the whole of the remainder without any 
complaint except a blister or two on each foot, but thank Cod am 
now in as good health and spirits as ever in my Life, indeed I have 
found my spirits increase as difficulties arise and Pray God it may 

93 



continue, there is not any news worth relating, the Sick Troops are to 
be remov'd from Ticonderoga to this place the Hospital is now fitting 
up for their reception the Grand Hospital under the direction of Doc- 
tor Potts is to be here. We are all now preparing to get our Bag'gage 
on Board to embark tomorrow for Ticonderoga distant about 40 miles 
we are to go in Batteaus within 3 miles of that place, the Situation of 
this place is very agreable, the Lake close to our Camp, it abound 
w/th great plenty of excellent Fish, the ruins of Fort William Henry 
is within 200 yards of the place I now write from. Our Troops are in 
high Spirits considering the warm weather and long march. We have 
all liv'd very happily and hope in three days to see our worthy Colonel 
and the rest of our Battallion who have gain'd great reputation for 
their steady, manly behaviour in the last Action. I am in great hopes 
we shall not Disgrace them I have beg'd Doctor Potts to forward this 
to his Brother Joseph who I hope will imediately send it to you, any 
Letter you may want to send or any thing else may be forwarded to 
the Doctor Potts at this place. Lieu/t Col/o Allen went to Philadel- 
phia a few days ago a Letter by him will come safe as I expect he will 
return before long If I can meet with a safe hand will send you 40 or 
£50 before long. I desire you may not neglect every safe hand you 
can hear of to write to me. I think Jemmy Thomson, Tommy Chey- 
ney and Tomy Taylor W Town may let me know the news they have 
as a line from any of them wou'd be very agreable You must excuse 
the incorrectness of this as the Whole Camp is now in motion pack- 
ing up their Baggage. I believe I shall want some shirts before spring 
there is nothing to be had here but at a very extravagant rate. Rum 
at i8/.p Gallon you may guess of every thing else; I cannot recollect 
any thing particular more to inform you. I have contriv'd to make 
my Letter as long as possible, there is no part of this Country or any 
thing in it equal to Pennsylv/a Doct/r Kennedy and all your other ac- 
quaintance are well. I hear this day from Colonel Wayne, he is well 
and all the Officers except one who's name I cannot learn who has 
been wounded but is likely to recover. And now my dear Wife I beg 
and pray of you should any thing happen to me (as we are all liable 
to accidents of various kinds and Life without the proper enjoyments 
of it is not worth having) that you would use the utmost of your 
power to bring up the Children that God has blest Us with, in the 
paths of Virtue, nothing I am sure can give you greater pleasure on 
reflection and nothing can be of greater advantage to them. Please 
God I am spared I shall see you the ensuing Winter. I hope no ac- 
tion of mine will bring disgrace on my Children, it is my determina- 
tion to do my Duty how it may turn out on the day of trial is not for 
me to say but find as yet no great concern. 

Give my most sincere and hearty Love to every One of our rela- 
tions and friends all my good neighbours whose respect to you I will 

9-! 



not forget. My Sisters Nancy, Sally, Isaac, Betsy, Jemmy Thomson 
and Sally and particularly mammy fierce and Little Polly are di 
to accept of my most sincere Love. 

Give my blessing to my Dear little Sally. Robby, .Mary Anne and 
Peircy and am with my ardent Prayers to Heaven for your wellfare 
my Dear Polly your affectionate and ever loving Husband 

1 'ersifor Frazer 
Direct for me at Crown Point to the Care of Doctor Potts at Fort 
George on Lake George. 

To Airs Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township Chester County to the 
care of Mr. Joseph Potts, Merchant. Philadelphia. 



Ticonderoga, July 15, 1776 
My Dear Polly 

I wrote to you from Fort George on Wednesday last 
the next morning the whole of our 5 Companies am tg to 360 men 
with their Baggage embark'd on Board 15 Batteaus and Cross'd the 
Lake in about 10 Hours being 36 Miles and ancamp'd at the Landing 
place about 3 Miles from Ticonderoga, on Friday we remov'd to this 
place and encamp'd just under the wall to the southward of the Fort, 
this has been the Strongest place of any I have yet seen, but is now 
in a very ruinous condition and there is not any thing done to put it 
in any posture of defence; there are abt. 40 pieces of ( annon here be- 
sides 2 Schooners and a Sloop carrying in the whole ab/t 40 p s can- 
non more and 2 Gondaloes, another Fortification is propos'd just op- 
posite this place on a point ab/t ^ Mile distant on y/e other side the 
Lake, where all the southern Troops as they are here call'd, consist- 
ing of the First and Sixth Battallions w/th our own from Pennsj 
and 2 Jersey Battallions are to encamp in a day or two, the ground is 
now entirely cover'd with Timber and think it will not be a very a 
able situation. 

Our Battallion is now joined for the first time since it has been 
rais'd and it gave us all great satisfaction to find ourselves together 
though many of the officers and soldiers of the compy' through the 
fatigue they had undergone are in a poor state of health, but it is 
hoped they will all shortly recover as they will now enjoy more ease 
and be better provided for than they were in Canada, though I assure 
you the provisions are chiefly no other than Bread and pork, the Be- 
haviour of the chief part of our officers and Men at the skirmish at 
three Rivers has gained them great applause, none of the army it is 
agreed on all hands deserves it more than Cap t Church and his Com- 
pany, this I desire you may inform Jemmy Thomson of, as We had 
some suspicions which I do assure him he has by no means meritted, 

95 



but behav'd w/th great Courage in a very hot Quarter that fell to his 
Share. Poor John Talbot was shot I think in the head doing his duty 
like a Worthy Soldier. 

Colonel Wayne arriv'd w/th 3 Comp/s the day before We came to 
this place and it is agreed on all hands we shall not go further The 
New England Troops are chiefly at Crown point, they have for this 
many days past been sending their Sick to Fort George where a Hos- 
pital is providing to receive them and all the sick of this Army the 
whole of the Troops fit for Duty in this Quarter does not amount to 
more than 26 or 2700 men though there are not less than 16 Regm/ts 
and upwards, the Penns/a and Jersey Troops are the greatest part of 
the army now fit for Action. We have no news here from Canada 
to be relied on it said General Burgoyne has got near 5 Sail of Vessells 
almost ready in order to visit this place, the navigation from this place 
(w/ch lies at the End of Lake Champlain) almost to Fort S/t Johns 
is easy. Major Haussegger and myself with a small party are to go 
shortly in a Whale Boat to get intelligence towards S/t Johns. 

I want very much to see Crown Point and the Country below it. 

Mr. Jones our Chaplain (who's family resides in the Valley not far 
from Colonel Waynes) proposes to go home before very long, Cap/t 
Robinson of our Regiment also proposes to get leave to go home for 
a short time, should either of them go shall send you about £40. it 
is hard trusting every hand that goes or else should have sent it you 
before this time. I have yet recev'd but one letter from you. I have 
wrote many, and as almost all the Officers here complain that their 
letters have miscarried am afraid some of mine may meet the same 
fate, it has been a practice to open many letters and erase such parts 
as has been too severe upon the Measures of Leading men in this 
Country. Wou'd therefore advise you to write by no other but such 
hands as you can depend upon, I can think of no safer way than to 
get Mr. Joseph Potts to enclose yours to his Brother who superintends 
the Hospital at Fort George and from him the conveyance will be 
easy and safe should have no greater pleasure here than to receive a 
Letter from you and desire you may write more full than your Last. I 
have enjoyd my health as well as I could wish, have laid in a Tent al- 
most 2 weeks and though it rains almost every day find no incon- 
venience. Would beg of you if you can find a safe hand to send me 
the things I mention'd in a former Letter, my Hat stockings some 
home made Linnen abt. 4/yds and if to be had 2 or 3 ruffled shirts, 
there is nothing to be had of that kind here and every other thing at 
a most extravagant rate. I am sorry I did not lay in many other 
little necessaries before I left home as I find the want of them. I study 
to make my Letter as long as possible as I know a particular acc/t 
of things will please you. We have heard here this day that Inde- 
pendency has been declar'd by the Congress. God only knows how 

96 



matters will terminate. Our Cause is good and hope lie will not 
suffer us to be Over Run by our Arbitrary Enemies. There is not 
that dependence on the New Engl/d Men that I expected they make a 
most wretched appearance from home, as they are not able to en- 
dure hardships equal to the other American Troops above three fourths 
of them are now unfit for service by what I can learn Give my most 
unfeigned Love to all my good neighbours, remember me particularly 
to mammy Peirce, My Sisters Sally and Xancy, Isaac Taylor and 
Betsy. Jemmy Thomson and Sally and Polly Peirce, my best Love to 
my Sweet little Babes and am my Dearest Polly wishing you all the 
Choicest blessings of Heaven 

Your ever Loving and affectionate Husband 

Persifor Frazer. 
Ticonderoga July 15/th, 1776. 

I open'd this after it was seal'd to desire of you to send me also 3 
or 4 yards of fine home made white Cloath send me also the trim- 
mings necessary for Jacket and Breeches as nothing of that sort is to 
be had here send me also a good deal of thread. You may expect I 
shall write you again in a few days, please to have the things for me 
put up in a good Box well secur'd and directed if our Chaplain re- 
turns shortly will prevail upon him to take them under his Charge, 
otherwise Mr Henry or some good friend in Philadelphia may be pre- 
vail'd upon to put the things in the Care of some good safe hand as 
there are many people passing to and fro from Phila/a and this place 
N B — a Hat, 2 p/r cotton and 4 p/r Worsted Stockings, 2 p/r yarn 
ditto 2 ruffled and 2 plain Shirts, 3 y/ds brown Linnen, 6 y/ds white 
Cloath some large and some small button molds, white lining and 
trimmg/s for Jacket and Breeches, white lining for a Coat, some 
worsted etc for the stockg/s, and any other little matter w/ch you 
may think of. 
To Mrs. Mary Frazer in Thornbury Township Chester County. 



Ticonderoga July 21, 1776 
My dearest Polly 

I had wrote the letter w/ch accompanys this and 
expected to have sent it away by a Gentleman going to Philadelphia 
but as conveyances are not all to be depended upon was advis'd not 
to forward it, this goes by a Gentleman Colonel Campbell who has 
acted as Quarter Master General since my last our destination is al- 
ter'd and our Camp is remov'd close to the old French Lines a place 
w/ch has already cost the English many thousand men and as We 
are now repairing them with expedition, should our Enemies forbear 
their approach for 2 or three weeks think We shall be able to give a 

97 



very good account of them should they attack us the New England 
and Jersey Regim/ts are to occupy and Fortify the other side where 
it was intended We should go, our Encampment is close to the Lines 
where Genl Abercrombie was defeated, the situation very important, 
the four Pens/a Regiments are to defend this part w/ch it is likely 
will be a very Warm one it is ab/t f of a mile above the Fort to the 
southward, this is a very disagreable strange Climate it has rained 
every day except one since our arrival, the Evening after We remov'd 
our Camp it rain'd excessive hard when almost every Person in the 
Camp was nearly afloat with the water, especially those that lay on 
the ground, among w/ch number I was, the bottom of my tent being 
2 inches deep with water, and all my cloaths and my self wet and 
oblig'd to lay there till morning, notwithstanding 1 little I continue 
as well as ever in my Life. Many of the Commanding Officers in this 
Quarter are and will be call'd to a severe account for their cowardly 
and dishonest Behaviour, our Regim/ts are in high esteem and hope 
we shall not loose our reputation, all the Troops are to evacuate 
Crown Point and repair to this place shortly, and bring all the am- 
unition Cannon and stores w/ch is a large Quantity. Mr Jones our 
chaplain will leave this in a few days and promised he will call and 
see you shall neglect no safe opportunity of Writing and expect you 
will not omit. Please to send me in the Box all the News Papers 
since the middle of June. We hear no news here. All your acquain- 
tance here are well. I remain with my best wishes to all Friends, My 
best Love to my D/r Children my D/r Polly, your Lovg. 

Husband 

Persifor Frazer 
Ticonderoga July 21/st, 1776. 



Ticonderoga July 25/th, 1776. 
My Dear Polly 

I wrote you a Letter from Lake George w/ch I left 
in the care of Doc/r Potts who is Director of the Hospital at that 
place and who promis'd me he wou'd forward it to his Brother Joseph 
in Philadelphia w/ch I hope you will receive before this comes to 
your Hands, I also wrote you another a few days since by a certain 
Col/o Campbell Quarter Mas/r Gen/1 of the army in Canada who was 
bound to Philad/a who promis'd to be punctual in delivering the Let- 
ter which was under Cover directed to Mr. Joseph Potts, these letters 
gave you an Acc/t of our March from New York to Albany and from 
thence to Lake George and this place, as also the News here and the 
situation of the Army and other matters; I have now this opportunity 
by Capt/ Rippey of the 6/th Pens/a Battallion, who has liberty to go 

98 



home for a short time and who I expect will deliver this letter to Mrs 
Kennedy 1 have receiv'd but one letter from you since 1 left home. 
We arc now encamp'd close within the old French Lines, together 
with the first and second Penns/a Battallions and we arc now con- 
stantly employ'd with all the men that can he spar'd from other duty, 
in repairing and putting them in the best posture of defence and hope 
should we be attack'd here that We shall he able to repulse our I o 
We have heard that a large number of New England troops arc to he 
sent here to reinforce Us, there are now at this place i _> Regiments 
of Troops, chiefly New Englanders besides our Battallions and the 
whole am/t to 3100 effective, 2600 Sick and 1300 said to he on Com- 
mand somewhere hut to the General and ev'ry one hut themselves un- 
known, our Battallions amount to aboul [600 fit for duty, the miser- 
able appearance and what is worse the miserable behaviour of the 
Yankees is sufficient to make one sick of the service, they are by no 
means fit to endure hardships, among- them there is the strangesl mix- 
ture of Negroes, Indians and Whites with ( >ld Men and mere children 
which together with a Nasty lousy appearance, makes a most shock- 
ing Spectacle, no man was ever more disappointed than I have been 
in respect to them. The retreat of the Army to this place what ever 
others may think was certainly a well Judged piece of conduct. Crown 
Point the next fortress to this on Lake Champlain ha- been a very 
strong and important place, hut the Works are in such a ruinous Con- 
dition and they are so very extensive that it would take the whole of 
our Army I think 6 Months to repair them. I was there the other 
day and found it to surpass my expectations the situation is very 
pleasant: the 6/th Pens a Battallion is now there hut should the 
Enemy approach they are to retreat to this place. General Arnold 
and a number of Colonels and other Officers it is expected will be 
bro/t to severe Acc/t for their action in Canada, Court- Martial are 
sitting and have been sitting this considerable time and it is not known 
when they will finish their disagreable business, there has been the 
basest conduct in respect to the furnishing necessaries to the Army, 
and the Gentlemen who have had the managing of these matters arc 
or ought to be looked upon as the greatest Traitors to their Country. 
General Gates has given the greatest satisfaction hitherto and hope 
it will continue. The Penns/a Troops have not much Connection 
with the New England Troops and am sorry We cannot be on more 
friendly terms, they are encamp'd close to the Fort and on a point just 
opposite on the other side the Lake. The Gentlemen of the Army 
complain very much that their Letters have been intercepted and 
open'd, very few coming to hand, such conduct deserves the severest 
punishment and some time or other those transgressors will pay for 
it. the design must be to prevent their actions coming to the know- 

99 



ledge of the Congress as they have been in every particular almost 
impos'd upon relating to the affairs in this Quarter. 

I desir'd in my last letter that you would send me by some safe 
hand, 6 y/ds fine white Cloath, 5 y/ds Linnen home made, 2 ruffled 
and 2 plain shirts, 2 p/r cotton, 4 p/r Worsted and 2 p/r yarn stock- 
ings my Hat, some thread, trimmings for 2 jackets and a p/r Breeches, 
a Box of Andersons Pills and some other little things w/ch you can 
think of better than I can and as nothing but liquors and such things 
can be had here for money, shall have the greatest occasion for the 
most of them, you need not mind the Cloath for the Surtout as I in- 
tend to have a Blanket one made as they are the warmest and most 
fashionable here. 



(Written about July 25, 1776 from Ticonderoga) 
Draft of a letter to John Morton 
Sir. 

I have not forgotten the promise I made to you when I saw you 
last in Philadelphia, but as nothing material happened during our stay 
at Long Island which was not in the public prints, and our five com- 
panies being under daily expectation of having arms and marching to 
Canada, I deferred troubling you with mere formality, to which I 
know you as well as myself are an enemy. During our stay at Long 
Island our people were constantly employed in building fortifications, 
and were at length ordered to march June 29th, to Albany unarmed, 
but with a promise of receiving arms there from General Schuyler. 
On our arrival there we found plenty of muskets, but in such very bad 
repair that more than half of them were entirely useless, tho' they 
had been brought to the store last winter, and the whole of the re- 
mainder wanted great repairs. We were then ordered to march to 
this place where our bad arms should be exchanged for good ones, 
and were then to join our Colonel at Crown Point. We arrived here 
on the 10th, instant where the other companies with St. Clair's and 
De Haas's Pennsylvanians had arrived the day before, the 6th Bat- 
talion still remaining at Crown Point. The whole of them appeared 
in miserable plight from the fatigue and sickness they had undergone, 
but compared with the Eastern troops they are robust and hearty. 

Upwards of 3000 sick I am well informed, have been removed from 
this place since my arrival, to Fort George where a general Hospital 
is erected for this army- I understand they are recovering fast, tho' 
many have been launched into the other world. Such miserable Spec- 
tacles I do assure you sir, cannot be described, as were every minute 
presented to our view, and to me who have not yet lost all sensibility 
were the most affecting scenes I ever beheld, and to a raw soldier as 
I am, very discouraging. Bread and salt pork are the only diet, the 

100 



army having received but 4 or 5 clay's fresh provisions since they en- 
tered Canada, tho' it is now probable we shall be better supplied. 
The amount of the army at this place and Crown Point the other 

clay yon may be assured stood thus: -'000 sick at Fort George, 1 : 
on command nobody can tell where, and 3100 lit for duty. The I Vim 
sylvanians alone, are [600 effective, and [2 regiments Eastern troops, 
New \ orkers, and Jerseymen make up the remainder. The retreat of 
the army to this place 1 look upon as a very prudent measure, as it is 
capable from its situation of being strongly fortified. Crown Point, 
where I have been is a much pleasanter and more healthy place, but 
the works are so extensive, and being in a ruinous condition, it would 
take more time than it is likely we shall be allowed to put it in a 
proper posture. The Pennsylvanians now here are constantly em- 
ployed in repairing the old French lines at this place, which we are to 
defend, and expect in 15 or 20 days to have them in a better condition 
than ever they have been. The other troops are encamped on a pen- 
insula the other side of the Lake, and accessible only in one place. 
It is about half a mile from the old fort, and they are busily employed 
in fortifying that ground. We have now on this Lake, 3 schooners, 
and 1 sloop mounting from 8 to 16 guns; also 4 gallics; and as a 
large number of ship-carpenters have lately arrived at Skeensborough 
from Philadelphia and other places, in order to build gondolas we ex 
pect we shall have a very respectable fleet before long which must be 
of great service. This army has suffered in every respect ; a few men 
to whom the management of affairs in this quarter has been left, for- 
getting every object but that of making money, and that pursued with 
great industry : batteaux at 35, and almost all the other contracts cen- 
tering chiefly in one hand, Ox teams and milch cows, are rather below 
the notice of any man possessing the chief command ; supplying the 
army with every necessary at a very exorbitant price, all contracts go- 
ing thro' his hands. These are uncontradicted reports, and from the 
little experience I have had, I have great reason to believe them liter- 
ally true and far from being exaggerated. Indeed, exactions of every 
kind make it impossible to live here comfortably or indeed tolerably, 
and I am afraid that unless contractors and others who furnish the 
army with necessaries are more attentive to that business, there will 
not be that encouragement to form another army, that our situation 
will require. This is by no means a healthy place, as scarce a day has 
passed since my being here that there has not been rain. Lake Cham- 
plain being in a manner stagnated, causes a very unwholsome air. and 
many of the men who came with us well as the others, are now sick 
with fevers, and it is not in our power to yield them that relief their 
situation demands. General Gates is esteemed by all I have heard 
speak of him. We are all afraid the command will devolve upon a 



101 



less popular person; if it does it will be attended with bad conse- 
quences. 

The whole of the officers here who have been in Canada, unite in 
saying that there is scarcely a word of truth in any information that 
has been published respecting affairs there ; the letters that would have 
given the public an unbiassed account having been stopped, scarcely 
one in fifty from this quarter, or from our friends to this place have 
come to hand. Albany is charged with this villainous transaction, for 
what end may be easily guessed; indeed there is nothing makes our 
situation tolerable, except the cause in which we are engaged. 

The arms we were promised at Albany to receive here are not to be 
had, we must therefore at this time begin to put our muskets in repair, 
and do without the bayonets. I nevertheless hope we will not bring 
disgrace on our country when we are put to the trial. 

I have enjoyed a very good state of health hitherto, I have since 
I left Albany, laid in a small tent often upon the ground in very bad 
weather, and have found no bad consequences until within a few days 
I have been troubled with the disorder common here, but I am some- 
thing better. 

There are many other things which I could wish you knew, but I 
fear I have already wearied your patience with complaints which I do 
assure you are well founded. 

Please remember me to your son Sketchley. 

I am dear sir, with real regard 

your most obt. servant 

P. F. 



Ticonderoga July 31/st 1776 
My Dearest Polly 

I had intended to have sent the inclos'd by Cap/t 
Rippey but as he was not certain on my applying to him whether he 
would go by the way of Philadelphia or not thought it best not to 
send it nor the money by him, as Mr Jones the Chaplain to our Regi- 
ment and who will give you this and £54 intended tO' go so shortly. 
His family resides in the Valley near the Babtist meeting House, do 
treat him with all the respect in your power he can inform you of 
every thing relating to this place, send the things mention'd in a good 
strong Chest Well secur'd and directed, Cap/t Rippy proposes to re- 
turn to this place in about 7 or 8 weeks and will come by Phila/d he 
is acquainted with Mr Henry who would be a very good hand to leave 
it with, Mr Jones talks of returning here shortly, should you be dis- 
appointed in both these Mr Joseph Potts can convey it to his Brother 
at Lake George. I owe Joseph Robbins a small matter w/ch I re- 

102 



quest you to pay him as I forgot it, there is no news stirring liere, I 
enjoy my usual health am up every morning before day at the alarm 
post with my Companj and out every day at Work on the Lines, 
some of our people complain of the Fever and flux the weather Being 
continually wet and disagreable. Give my most unfeigned respects to 
all m_\- good Neighbours my Love to all relations and Sweet little 
Babes, nothing cou'd give me greater satisfaction than a line from you 
that you are all in health I am my dear Polly your 

Loving and ever affectionate Husband 

Pers/r Frazer. 
Ticonderoga, July 31/st, 1776. 

1 have enclos'd you a draft of this place which I took yesterday, 
from a draft made here, it will give you and others satisfaction to have 
an idea of the situation. (See chapter V of military papers. ) 

General Arnold had arrested one Col. Hazen, the trial has been of 
long continuance Hazen is clear'd of the charge and Arnold's conduct 
not appearing so good and just as cou'd be wish'd he took great um- 
brage at some reflections that were thrown out in course of the trial, 
he has thrown aspersions on the court and is to make concessions or 
he will be under arrest. Col/o Beedle and Major Butterfield have 
been try'd for their conduct and Cashier'd in Consequence of their 
Bad conduct in Canada, it is very likely many other similar will take 
place before long, many of our men are sick this being an unwhole- 
some place, I am thank God in good health tho' not so robust as when 
I left Long Island, let no opportunity slipp of writing it will give me 
great pleasure, as we have scarce any news here. 

Aug. i/st, 1776 
To Mrs Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township, Chester County Penn- 
sylvania. 
p. fav/r of the 
Rev. Mr. Jones. 



Ticonderoga Aug/t 6/th, 1776. 
My Dearest Polly 

I wrote to you the other day by our ( 'haplain Mr. 
Jones, who had liberty to return Home for some time, where lie pro 
poses to be in about 2 weeks; as he is to go by the way of New York, 
I sent by him Fifty four pounds Pensilv/a Money his Family lives in 
the Valley near the Babtist Meeting House on the Swedes Ford Road, 
he promis'd me he wou'd call upon you on his arrival at 1 tome, 1 have 
receiv'd no Letters from you but the one you sent p/r Doct r Ken- 
nedy it wou'd give me the greatest Pleasure to receive a line from 
you; you shou'd let slip no oppertunity as there are frequently per- 
sons coming this Way. I have enjoyed my health pretty well since 

103 



my arrival at this place tho' I have fell away a good deal since I left 
Long Island, there are very few of our Officers or Men but have had 
a severe spell of the Flux or Fever though none that come with Us 
died, there are 16 of my Comp. sick at this time though all mending 
fast Doc/r Kennedy has had a smart spell of sickness this 6 or 7 days 
past but is now able to walk about, Mr Bartholomew has been likewise 
ill but is recover'd, Mr. Seely my 2/d Lieutenant is at this time very 
unwell, the climate here is very unwholesome, the days are exceeding 
hot, the evenings and mornings are as cold as the latter end of No- 
vember in Penns/a scarce a day passes without rain, every morning 
there is a very disagreable fog arises from the Lake, the Water of 
which is almost as bad as poison, as it is almost stagnated, there is no 
other way of preventing Disorders but living well and every thing that 
is to be had is very exorbitant Spirits 20/. p Gall. Wine 30/. Choclate 
4/. Loaf Sugar 3/6. and every other matter equally dear though the 
expence of bringing articles is trifling. A Person properly qualified 
as a settler might make his fortune in 2 or 3 Months, there are no dry 
goods of any kind to be had and Liquors of all sorts and grocery ar- 
ticles will bring almost any Price. We have got our Lines in a very 
good posture of defence and hope in 10 or 12 days more to have them 
very formidable, 500 Troops from New England arriv'd at this place 
yesterday and 1500 more are expected in a few Days I have not yet 
seen them but unless they are better than the greatest part of those 
that have been here before them, they had better stay at Home, no 
man was ever more disappointed in his expectations respecting New 
Englanders in general than I have been, they are a set of low, dirty, 
griping, cowardly, lying rascals, there are some few exceptions and 
very few, they may do well enough at Home, but every fresh man that 
comes here is so much loss to the Army, as they will get sick with the 
small Pox or some lazy disorder and those that are season'd must take 
care of them and by that means weaken the Army, many of their 
Regiments for many months past have not had above 100 fit for duty 
and at some particular times 20 and some times none; this has been 
common among them, at the best their Regim/ts are not half full, a 
Colonel came in the other day with only 60 men in his Regiment and 
some of them had the small Pox, the General imediately sent them 
Home again. You may inform all your acquaintance not to be afraid 
that they will ever Conquer the other Provinces (w/ch you know was 
much talk'd off) 10,000 Pennsylvanians would I really think be suffi- 
cient for ten times that number out of their own Country. All the 
southern Troops Live in great Harmony the others we have little or 
no Connections with they are separated from us by the Lake. We 
have no certain Accounts of what the English are doing in Canada. 
We have heard that there are 7000 English and 5000 Canadians at S/t 
Johns where they are building Boats and Vessells to cross the Lake and 

104 



pay L's a Visit, but think they will scarce come so far this season. We 
heard yesterday from _• Canadians that came in that they are retreated 
from S t Johns and gone toward Quebec hut I rather think, they will 
go up S/t Lawrence get into Lake Ontario and come down the Mo- 
hawk River as there is little or nothing to prevent them, unless we 
should move from this place to oppose them, However this informa- 
tion is not much Creditted, If our Troops meet with success at New 
York I think there is little danger of any thing they can do any where 
else. The Army in this Quarter has been treated with great neglect, 
the frequent scenes of distress which presented on our first arrival 
cannot be described, and to me who have not yet lost all sense of feel- 
ing for my Fellow Creatures was very discouraging. 1 expect before 
long We shall have some certain accounts of what they are about in 
Canada. We have 2 parties now out and they have been expected to 
return for some days past. By all means send me the things I men- 
tion'd as quick as possible as I shall be in great Want of them ; indeed 
I want many of them now, and Cold Weather will set in, about a 
month hence, there is nothing of any sort of Cloathingto be had here. 
I hope to see you and my dear little Children and all friends in good 
health in the Winter, before that time We shall scarcely leave this 
place, do not forget to send all the Papers since the middle of June. 
We have scarce any intelligence here from Pensilv/a more than if we 
were in the Moon. Cap/t Jenkins son of Mrs. Jenkins in Philad/a is 
the bearer of this and expect he will forward it carefully to you, I am 
not certain whether he is to return or not but he will be a good Hand 
to inform you of any oppertunity coming this way should you miss 
any of those I mentioned in my former Letters, what is the reason 
Jimmy Thomson and Isaac do not Write, Tommy Cheyney and 
Tommy Taylor I expected would have wrote before this. A Letter 
from them would be very acceptable Remember me to them all and 
all my other Friends and relations 

I am my Dearest Polly wishing you and my dear little Ones all the 
happiness that Human beings can enjoy. 

Your Loving and affectionate Husband 

Persifor Frazer 



Aug. 6. 1776 Thornbury august 6/. 1776 

Dear Sir I much Rejoyce to hear from you and that you are in 
a Good state of Health and that your spirits bear- you up to in- 
dure y/e fatague you have to undergo — With so heroic a Resolution. 
Were it not for my bodyly infirmities I Could wish my self a pertaker 
in Every Dainger you have to incounter in that Glorious Cause of Lib- 

105 



erty I feel y/e same Zeal that warms y/e Breasts of Thousands of 
breave Emericans and hass Roused them to take up arms in her de- 
fence, so universall a Zeal nothing Could kindle but a Coal from y/e 
alter of y/e Great Disposeer of both Causeees and Events, and 
if in y/e Case as I believe to be Emerica will be Victorious, althc wee 
may be Loock/d upon Like y/e poor, lsreellites broke Loose from 
y/e bondage of Pharoug/h may have nations to Concor and seas of 
Blood to wade through if not us our selv/es our Posterity will arive 
at y/e Land of Promise that flows with Milk and honey 
May God Almity Protect you and Direct you and Return you with 
Honour and Safety to your family and friends is sincear Prayer of 

Tho/s Cheyney 
Addressed To 

Cap/tn Persifor Frazer of the fourth 

Pennsylvania Redg/mt Commanded 

By Colonel Wayne Now in Albeny 

or near it To the Care of M/r 

Doctor Potts at Leak- 

-George 



Ticonderoga Aug/t io/th, 1776. 
My D/r Polly 

My last letter to you was of the 3/d instant p/r Mr 
Jones Chaplain to our Regiment, by whom I sent One hundred fourty 
four Dollars, I am still so unhappy as not to have receiv'd a line from 
you, though almost every Body receiv'd letters the day before yes- 
terday, We have now a post establish'd between this and Albany, who 
goes constantly once a Week. I also wrote to you 3 days ago by 
Cap/t Jenkins, (son of Mrs. Jenkins in Philad/a) I still continue to en- 
joy my usual good health though I have had 2 or 3 threatening 
Symptoms our men in general are getting better and our Fortifica- 
tions are almost finish'd so that should our Enemies attempt Us here, 
have great hopes We shall give a very good account of them, a Body 
of 5000 New Engl/d Troops are to reinforce Us, near half that Num- 
ber are already arriv'd I have not yet seen any of them as they are 
station'd on the other side the Lake and as the whole of our officers 
and men are constantly employed from Day light till Dark on Duty 
or at Work have not yet had time to Visit them tho' some of them 
have been here 8 or 9 days, the last Acc/ts We have from Canada is 
that ab/t 7000 English and 5000 Canadians are at S/t Johns, M/t Real 
Chamblee and that neighbourhood, that they building Boats and pre- 
paring to pay us a Visit, but think they will scarcely be here this Sea- 

106 



son, as they must have every thing j n the best order before they will 
attempt to march and that Country is by no means capable of supply- 
ing them u 'tli Provisions and other necessaries. The Troops on this 
side the Lake where We are situated are to be augmented to 4000 
which I think and it is the opinion of every Body else will be suffi- 
cient to maintain our ground if We behave as We ought. You must 
not my D/r Polly let slip any oppertunity in writing to me, if you 
knew the pleasure and satisfaction a Line informing me of your Health 
and the Family's, 1 am sure You wou'd not neglect, hut 1 must think 
Your letters have miscarried as it has been very common to stop some 
and open others. .Mrs. Kennedy will have a better Oppertunity than 
you can have of forwarding Letters wou'd therefore advise you to 
have yours inclos'd in hers except where you know of a safe hand your 
self, the Doctor lias got better and he and 1 are now writing in the 
same Tent, he has been very ill but is now well recover'd none of the 
men of our 5 Compy/s have yet died tho' many of them have been 
very ill indeed very few have excap'd, the Season is now much better 
than when We first came and we have got our affairs in better order 
than any other Regm ts and indeed We are reckon'd the best Regi 
ment in the Service, this you and others may think savours too much 
of boasting but 1 really think We are upon a footing with any of them. 
I have got a very good Tent ab/t 7 feet square, well tloord and rais'd 
about 2 feet with boards on the sides, 1 have got a very good Birth 
made in it to sleep on some good Blanketts w/ch I find very comfort 
able tho' my House is none of the largest. 

Be sure do not neglect to send me the things 1 Wrote for as cloaths 
will be a very necessary Article here very shortly those I bro/t with 
me are going fast as We have not the best Hands to take care of them 
and there is scarce any thing to be bought here at any rate. The 
Major. Adjutant. Mr Harper and myself mess together and live as 
well as any others here though the best fare is ordinary, tho' thank 
God you know I can eat any wholesome food w ch I do assure you 
makes me much happier than many others. You must excuse the 
incorrectness of my letters, the most of them are wrote in hurry as we 
seldom know of a conveyance till the last moment and I always write 
by every oppertunity. I have mention'd many ways for you to write. 
your own discretion will point out the mosl propable. 1 have been 
very uneasy latterly, not hearing the least Syllable from you. this . 
by Colonel Hazen who has the Command of a Canadian Regiment 
and is now going to Philadelphia. I am to go tomorrow morning on 
a Command with 140 men from our Brigade to Fort George on what 
business I cannot yet inform you. expect to be back at this place in 2 
or 3 days. I have mention'd every thing to you I can think of. I 



107 



must therefore conclude with my most sincere and hearty good wishes 
to all my good neighbors, Friends and relations my ardent and un- 
ceasing Prayers attend you and my Lovely little Children, may the 
smiles of Heaven constantly attend you all. 

I am my Dearest Love 
Your affect/e Husband 

Persifor Frazer 
To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury, Chester County, Pennsylvania. 



Ticonderoga Aug/t 21/st, 1776. 
My Dear Polly 

No Letter has yet come to my Hands from you 
since I left Long Island, tho' I have wrote 6 or 7 since that time, my 
last to you was p/r Colonels Hazen and Antil who were bound to Phil- 
adelphia and was under cover to Mrs. Kennedy directed to the care 
of Mrs. Bradford at the Coffee House, a few days before I wrote by 
Cap/t Jenkins son of Mrs. Jenkins in Phila/a both of which I expect 
will go safe to your Hands, as also the letter by our Chaplain by 
whom I sent 144 Dollars, I can scarce imagine you can have neglected 
writing and attribute my not having receiv'd any letters to the in- 
famous practices of some dirty scoundrels who have more curiosity 
than honour, should any of these rascals be found out they will pay 
dearly for their villainous actions as the whole army are irritated to a 
very high degree. I shall continue to enjoy my usual state of health 
and the Army in general are in better condition than when We first 
arriv'd. Mr. Seely my second Lieu/t has been in a very dangerous 
way and is now at Fort George where there are better accomodations 
for the sick both in respect to food and lodging than can be had at 
this place. Our Army here has been lately reinforc'd by a Brigade of 
Militia from Connecticut amountg. to ab/t 1500 Men, who are en- 
camp'd on our side the Lake between Us and the Fort, they appear 
better than any others from that Country that I have seen, but it is 
expected in a few days the Small Pox and other disorders incident to 
Camps will break out among them and which are always fatal to their 
Countrymen. We have had various reports from Canada, about 10 
days ago 2 french men came in and inform'd that the greatest part of 
the Troops with Gen/1 Burgoyne had left S/t Johns, and the other 
posts thereabouts, had embark'd on board the Transports and gone 
down the River Sorrell, it was expected from the intelligence that they 
intended to go up the River S/t Lawrence as far as possible and there 
to send their Troops into Lake Ontario and to come down to Albany 
by the Mohawk River. We were shortly after inform'd by three men 

108 



who were sent out to gain intelligence belonging to the 6/th Penns/a 
Regim/t that they had gone as far as S/t Johns that they saw people 
busy there building Batteaus etc., that an advanced party of the Enemy 
were at the Isle au Noix and others at the Isle au Mott, ab/t 100 
Miles from this w/ch information made us redouble our diligence in 
getting our Works in a proper posture of defence. I believe both the 
reports to be true but think that Burgoyne has gone down the S/t 
Lawrence and intends to join Gen/1 Howe at New York and no doubt 
has left a number of men in Canada which together with the Cana- 
dians that we understood were to join them, would advance as far as 
prudent this way and fortify ; which would (they might well think.) 
alarm Us, and of course Numbers would be sent to our assistance and 
by that means weaken our army in New York, this is only my bare 
opinion of the matter as also that We shall have little or no lighting 
here this Year; almost every Body particularly our Commanding offi- 
cers are of a very different opinion and think that We shall be attack'd 
in a few days. — 

A Bag of Truce was sent some time ago, with the proceedings of 
Congress relating to the transactions of Gen/1 Arnold and the capitu- 
lation made by him w/ch you must have seen publish'd the orders of 
Gen/1 Carleton relating thereto are very extraordinary, full of villain- 
ous reflections and abusive Language and in a manner putting a stop 
to any further intercourse between Us by flags of truce. One Cap/t 
Willson of Cumberland County with a party of ab/t 30 Men were 
sent ab/t 3 or 4 weeks ago in Batteaus to reconnoitre down the Lake, 
they not expecting the enemy to be so far advanced were surprised 
and made prisoners, a certain Brigadier General Gordon has been 
kill'd by one of our people who had gone down as far as S/t Johns and 
though he was surrounded, returned unhurt. Our Lines here are now 
in a very good posture of defence a few days more will make them very 
formidable, a small sketch of them I sent you by Mr. Jones, the breast 
work is from 6 to 8 feet thick faced w/th Fascines or long faggots 
well pin'd to the earth in front and sodds on the inside very neatly 
and strongly laid and the space fill'd up with earth and the whole 
cover'd with sodds which make a very pretty appearance, on the out- 
side the Breast work there is a ditch near 10 feet wide and ab/t 5 
deep, outside of that, there are large Picketts or Stakes of wood 
sharpened and set slanting outwards in the ground, close together, 
round great part of the Works ; We have also a strong Battery in part 
of the Lines w/ch commans all the high ground and in the low ground 
next the Lake the New England and Jersey troops are now building 
3 or four redoubts which will Command the low ground. We have 
now 2 schooners and a sloop well arm'd and five or six Gondalow and 
Row Gallies gone down the Lake to Crown Point and others are get- 
ting ready, so that if We all behave well they will have warm work 

109 



should they attack Us. We have heard lately that Major Hausegger 
is appointed a Colonel of a German Regiment to be rais'd, if this 
should be the case he will leave Us very shortly, he is an excellent offi- 
cer to regulate fresh Troops and our Battallion will be sensible of the 
loss of him. He and I have always liv'd together in great harmony 
and sociability. He has promised when he has orders to return to 
Philad/a that he will call upon you, by him I shall Write and believe 
send some more Money for fear of accidents and it may as well be in 
your hands for expect our Companies will not be discharg'd until We 
return Home. We have understood here that Pennsylv/a is almost 
drain/d of Men thay having been sent to the assistance of their brethen 
at New York. It gives me the greatest pleasure that our Province 
on all occasions have so generously been foremost in the general 
cause, it is deservedly entitled to the foremost Rank among the other 
Colonies, although there has been a great Noise in other parts, the 
same disinterested Patriotism appears no where in such a striking light 
as in my own country, there are many there that wish not well to Our 
Cause but they are by no means so dangerous and numerous as they 
are in other places, it gives me the highest pleasure that I am by ex- 
perience convinc'd of my having entertain'd a wrong opinion of our 
Province in general. If We are not attack'd in 5 or 6 weeks time We 
shall it is expected go Home early in the Fall as the Winter setts in 
very soon here. I should be glad the things I wrote for were come 
to hand, as I shall be in real want of them very soon, especially shirts 
and stockings. I mention'd in a letter I wrote you from Long Island 
that I had left a watch belonging to one of my Men, with Mr. John 
Wood, Watchmaker, adjoining the House where Mr. McMurtrie lived 
the Corner of Chestnut and front Streets that I had forgot to Call for 
it, should you not have receiv'd the Letter, wou'd request you would 
not fail to send for it and keep it till the owner calls for it, as he is 
uneasy fearing it may be lost. "Pis expected We shall have a regular 
Post established from Philadelphia to this place, the Commanding 
Officers here write by the persons that conveys this to Mr. Franklin 
in order to have a more certain method fallen upon for intelligence, 
Mr. Hoffnagle a Gentleman that lives near Fort Pitt and has been 
here on Public business is the bearer of this. Colonel Wayne, 
Doctor Kennedy Mr. Harper and all y/r acquaintance here are well 
except poor Mr Seely but hope he will get the better of his disorder 
before long. I am sure if you had an idea of the satisfaction a line 
from you (informing me of all your wellfare) wou'd give me, you 
would let slip no oppertunity. I wou'd write to all my other friends 
and acquaintance but as you can inform them of all the News and as 
many letters would be very cumbersome to private gentlemen who 
are the only conveyances We can depend upon, they must excuse me 
as I can assure them all, I think very frequently of them, and as they 

no 



cannot plead the same excuse, am surpriz'd none of them have Wrote 
to me, as news of any sort wou'd be very entertaining here. My 
mo i unfeigned Love and respect attend Mammy Peirce, my Sisters 
and Brothers and all my other good Friends and relations, i remain 
my dearest Polly, wishing you and my lovely little children every 
felicity bountifull Heaven can bestow. 

Your affectionate Husband 

Persifor Frazer 
To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury Towns/p Chester County, to the 
care of M, r Joseph Potts, Philadelphia. 
favourd by 

M/r HofTnagle. 



Aug. 8i. 1776. Ashtown Aug/t y/e 21/th 1776. 

Dear Percey I have this good Opertunity to Lei you now that 1 am 
well and my wife and Child, and Likewise y r wife and Children \re in 
A Verry good State of helth at present and 1 have Likewise the Pleas- 
ure to Aquante you that you wife Carries on y/r farming Business 
Exceedingly well and Every part of her Conduct is in fad prised by all 
her Neighbours your Little Son percey is Indeed y/e finest Child that 
I Ever saw your Sisters Salley and Nancy are both will the Neighbours 
in generall are in good helth, and 1 think we have hardly as Many 
Tories as when you Left here. I would have wrote to you Long be- 
fore this time Onley wateing for Something New and has not at this 
time any thing worth Riteing about 1 was in Norrisstown Last we< k 
and they are all partly gone to work them of your Acquantence Dis- 
sired when I wrote to you to send thire Loves to you. Old Joab 
Fallows is Doing no good with the forge and I think against Springwill 
not be able to pay his Rent this Day I had the Pleasure to See Person 
Joans who has Just Come from your Camp and has Give me great 
Satisfaction from you and the Rest of my Acquantences helths and 
well faire god bless you all and hops you may all Return Safe and In- 
joy the pleasures of y/r wifes and Fortunes, from Respected friend 
and well Wisher 



Addressed For 

Major Persifor Frazer 

of the 4/th Pennsy/a Reg t 
p/r favour of Commanded by 

y/e Reve/t M/r Colonall Wayne 
Joans at Ticonderroga 

in 



Ja/s Thomson 



177& August 21, 1776. 

My Dear brother 

words Cannot express the Joy It Gives me to hear from you 
And that you are in good health and Spirits blesed be god for It o my 
Brother what A happiness would it be to me to See you once more I 
Could not Desire nor Ask a Greater blessing your Dear Little babyes 
is the greatest Comfort I now have Sally and bobby is most excellent 
fine Children but A finer Child than my Darling peirsy you never Saw 
And your Dear Little mary Anne goes every Day to Schoole and 
now Sayes Letters very prittyly your wife Drives your business on ex- 
tremly well I ashure you It would please you very well to See what 
pritty order She has every thing in And I hope please God that we 
Shall be blesd with your Company at home this winter Sister wrote 
to you that tommy Taylor was gone to trentown but It was from 
wrong Informenation for he now Lays very bad with the flux tory Joe 
white made shift to fall of A hay Stack and breake his back of wich he 
is Since Dead if all his Sort was in the same Condition this Neibour- 
hood would be pritty well thind old Josy talbert has past his Last 
meeting with Nanny Sharpless And now my Dear brother I must write 
you something in favour of the presberterians M/r Smith the minesters 
Son of pequa rocks Last Summer A very great man for espouseing 
the Cause And got to be Lieutennant but now when the orders went 
up for the Melitia to march his Courage faild him but rather than he 
would have a file of men to Escort him he Did apear and went some 
few miles with them and then gave them the Slip And Joshua way 
was Last Saterday In the vally at Richard Jacobs, who told him that 
him and and his father had gone to Philadelphia that morning to try 
to get him of I think when you presbetererians gets the upper hand 
It would not be quite proper to Set him at the helm of afairs they had 
A Remonstrance About here against Independancy And Samuel men- 
denhall tommy mashel Davy baker blind Conner Danny thomson 
Isack frank Caby peirce and billy Shankling Could Do no Less than 
Sign it As It was kepping these wicked blood thirsty presbeterians 
from getting the upper hand And you know my Dear brother that as 
Long as they were men of such Carracter and Sense It would have 
Looke rathor weake of them If they had not Done It they have Stopt 
parson Caige from preaching because that he Seemd by his prayes 
as if he would have been quite fond of his friend gorge gaining the 
victory And Josy white Swore that he would not Die til the key of 
the Curch Came back Again And I Cannot think what was his notion 
for going of before It Did except he got out of patience waiting and 
is gone fetce It I wish all the torys was gone the Same Journey I think 
they would be pritty Clear of doing much michcheif 
Sister Sally Jacob and Aunt betty Desire to be Remembred to you 

112 



And now my Dear Brother that the Almighty god may Defend you 
and be your Director And Asisttor In All Dificultyes And Return you 
home to your Dear Wife And Little fatherless babyes and mee is the 
Sincear and ardent Desires of your faithfull freind and Afecttionate 
Sister 

Ann frazer 

to Albany. .4. . 16 

awypr/d 1 . .01 

Addressed To 

to the Cap/t Persifor Frazer 

care of of the 4th Pensyv a 

Doctter pots Regiment Commanded by 

at Lake gorge Col Wayne at ticonderoga 

Phil/a. Aug /21 

that he shall be order'd of the ground ) v . . _ 

,• . 1 111 r. 1 1 •. 1 c V Note apparently in (-apt. 

immediately and be hereafter prohibited from V Frazer's handwritii 

Suttling in the northern Army — ) 



Aug/t 22/d 1776 
My Dear Percy 

Last Monday T received your Letter of the 15/th 
July and this Day received a Letter by M/r Jones and £54 which givs 
inexpresable joy to Lara that you hav health thrugh So much hard 
Ship may you Stil injoy that greatest of blessings and return to me 
how(?) can Disregeard Life with out you I Shall Endever to Send you 
what you have wrote for as Soon as possoble we hav now news Stir- 
ing here Except the Death of you and Col. Wayne which Richard Paks 
Confirms by Saying 1 received a Letter from you after you ware Shot 
Tommy Taylor has been Like to die with flux Tommy Chainny and 
his family is' well me and the family are all well Little Sallj and Bobby 
Sends Love mary anne Gos t<> Chool Every Day Isaac Bettsy Taylor 
are w^ell and Send there Love your Sister Sally and her family is well 
please Give my Resprectfull Complement to Dod r Kennedy and my 
besl wishes and Love to you I am my D r Percy y r affectionate Wife 

Mary Worrall Frazer 
Addressed To 

Cap/tn Persifor Frazer 
P/r favour by Col. Wayne at 

of the Rev/t Regiment Commaned 

M/r Jones of the 4/th Pensylv/a 

Tyconderroga 

"3 



Aug. 24. 1776. August y/e 24 1776 

my Dear brother I gladly imbrace this oppertun- 
ity of letin you now I am in good helth and aul our 
frends are well at presant betsey Taylor has got a 
young daughter and is like to do weel I hope my 
prayers for you have reach/t the throne of grace 
god grant you a Safe return to the arms of your 
afectunate wife and dear littel Children who im- 
paciently waits your return I a mat this time in Norin- 
ton mamy Curay Joyns me In my love to you 
I have nothing extroniry to relate to you but would 
beg you would mis no oppertunity of riteing to us I 
understad you are in grate destress for want of pro- 
vision and very Sickly but the god in whom you trust 
is aul Sofisant to presarve you and fetch you to your 
dear frends that ardently longs to injoy your good 
Company I am your most afeccinate Sister 

Sarah Thomson 

dady Curay and brother archey and brother mark 
and many more of your frends are gone to the Camp 
at Ambouy and left may Sarowfull harts behind as 
well as you your prety little Sun perceey is the finest 
Child you ever Saw aul you Children thrives well 
polly is like to make a good farmer her neighburs in 
general is very Cind and obligeing to her Since you 
abcence 



Addressed 



To 

M/r Percifor Frazzer 
Cap/t in Colonal 
Wains Battalion 
at Ticondirogo. 



Aug. 26* 1776. Thornbury August 26/th 1776 

Dear Sir 

I wass favored by Polly with a sight your 
Last Letters and am Very Glad to find you are in a 
Good State of health and Likewise in posture to Re- 
ceive y/e Enemy may Heaven Grant you may Give 
them as warm a Reception as Genrall Lee at Charles 
Town in Carolina or y/e Virginians did Dunmore at 
Guins Island who are intirelv Routed and are now 
Come to york with all their fleets and forces jond Lord 

114 



How: and would to Heaven They might * * * be 
Compleatly Defeated, for God is on our side witness 
Hunkers they their Gaind a Greal Loss as was ob- 
served by an [rish Genrall upon a Like occation if y/e 
Emiricans had Gaind that pos, i y e would have Dis- 
troy/d y/e City, bul < lod Distin/d them a Victory in 
more favourable way which Clearly Demonstrate 
that God sometimes in Mercy Denies our Requests it 
hass been surpriseing to see how unanimous y/e peo 
pie have been in Every part flocking to y e Emerican 
Standard at new York Except our Neighbourhood 
who still Remain at home Grumbling at Every 
Measure that hass been taken to secure their Liberty 
Our Convention hass Published a bill of Rights which 
I think will stop y/e mouths of y/e lories very much 
some talks a Good deal more favorable already I be- 
lieve their is meny will turn their Coats in a short 
time 1 tells all 1 talk with that we of that Denomina- 
tion it is time to Chainge their princeples that \ e 
never will meet with a more favorable oppertunity than 
now and y/e obstenate are ignoranl are Rater in- 
titeled to pity than Resentment It is as much out of 
y e power of men to think a like as it to Cook alike 
My wife Desires to be Remember d to you and Quar- 
ter master Harpet she hass favor to Requesl of you 
that is (torn) Enquire after Edward Bennett her 
brother who she hass Heard went with one of y/e 
Virginia Companies that went first to Canadv and if 
you Can hear any thing wheater alive or Dead to 
aquaint her y/e first oppertunity 

Tho/s Taylor westtown hass had a sewar -pell of v e 
flux but is like to Recover 1 am in tolarable Good 
Health but so pestered with my old Disorder that at 
times I Can scarcely take Care of my business Joseph 
white y/e old Bell weather lory feel of a hay stak and 
broke his back and is since dead and Left 150 £ in 
Good hard Cash which is like to prove a Consolaton 
to widow 

Please to Give my Complements to Cap/1 Wane 
Quarmaster master Harper and Captain Vernon I 
am your Sincere friend and Humble Sorvant 

Tin 1 s Cheyney 
Addressed To Cap/tn Persifor Fra/cr of \ e 4th 

Pennsyl. a Battalion Now at Tyconder- 

oga These 

"5 



(Aug/t 27/th 1776) 
My Dear Percy 

this is the 6/th letter I Wrote you Senc our un- 
happy parting and received 8 of yours which Gives me the Greatests 
pleasure of any thing on Earth Except your Presents I Shall be Glad 
you wold Com home Soon in the fall I offen paint to myself your Com- 
ing to See your little Babs alround you and the Supprise you will be in 
to to See your Polly turnd into yallow Looking woman Duch Looking 
woman Mary anne is offen talking of you this Day and Last night 
Little Percy has been very bad with a fever rest are all well Every 
thing Concarning the plantation goes on midling Spring gain is Good 
Isaac Taylor is Com to his new House the peple Semes midling well 
reconsild to Independency but very much feare the heavy taxes 
that is to Com upon us but above all the feeare the new Inglanders 
Should the americans gaine the Day the hav got Sheet Iron to greate 
perfection at M/r Potts mill the hav pold down the old mill and maid 
it Larger it will be redy to Gind in 2 weeks John Edwards Fourge will 
go in 3 weeks Job has not paid the rent yet as there is Some dispute 
about M/r potts medow I would be glad you would Let me know some 
thing Concarning it in your next I understand by M/r Jones you are 
Major please to Let me know in your next Letter that I may hav the 

pleasure to giv your title for I understand you offissers are very 

perticulare in these matters 

Maine peairce Little polly Sends there Senceire respects to you Lit- 
tle Sally and Boby Sends Love to Dady William Johnson and wife Sends 
there Complements please to Give my Complements to Doct/r Ken- 
nedy and Col. Wayne and am my Dearest Percy wishing you all the 

Choicest blessing that heaven can bestow 

Your ever Loving and affectionate wife 
Aug/t 27/th 1776 Mary Worrall Frazer 

(Written in pencil on the back) 

My Mothers letter to my Father 



Ticonderoga Sep/t i/st, 1776. 
My D/r Polly 

Is it possible that you can have neglected Writing to 
me ; yet as so many Letters have been lately receiv's in Camp, I can- 
not excuse you. Doc/r Kennedy has receiv'd four since We came 
here, one of which was in answer, to that, inclos'd in mine to you from 
Lake George. I have not the satisfaction of acknowledging the re- 
ceipt of a line since I left Long Island, though no safe conveyance es- 

116 



capes me. I have been unwell 5 or 6 clays past, am now something 
better. 1 should be the better of the Cloaths I wrote for, as the 
Weather begins to be cool and very wet!. I mention'd so many 
methods to you of forwarding Letters that you can have been at no 
loss in that respect. Mrs. Kennedy vvou'd have inclos'd yours under 
her cover, as i mention'd, and wou'd have been the easiest and safesl 
way for you. It would have given me the greatest pleasure to hear 
of the Wellfare of my Famil) and Friends. 1 must apply to some 
other person for that information, my best wishes await you all. 

1 am y/r affection/te Husb/d 
Pers/r Frazer. 
For Mrs Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township Chester County, Penn- 
sylvania. 



Ticonderoga Sep/r 9/th. 1770. 
My D/r Polly 

I cannot address you in any other stile though I 
think you have treated me with the greatest neglect and indifference. 
I am sure you cannot find an excuse. I am certain of your having 
receiv'd the letter dated at Lake George and another by our Chap- 
lain, and I dare say or seven others that I have Wrote, as I always 
sent by good hands. Your inattention in not sending the necessaries 
1 wrote for you possibly may account for but I do assure you I cannot 
forget. Doc/r Kennedy receiv'd the day before yesterday a large 
bundle of Cloathing and scarce any body arrives but brings one or 
more letters to him. I shall now have no need of the Cloathg as the 
season demands that 1 should provide imediately. Mr. Morton who 
will forward this can convey any letter you may choose to write. 

God Bless my Sweet Children 

I am y/r affec/t Husband 

Pers/r Frazer 
For Mrs Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township, Chester County 

Pennsylvania 



Ticonderga Sep/t 21/st, 1776. 
My Dearest Love 

Mr. Jones arriv'd on Thursday last, by him I had 
the inexpressible satisfaction of receiving two letters from you. in- 
forming me of the health and wellfare of yourself and my lovely little 
Children. I also receiv'd 2 letters from Nancy, one from Jimmy Thom- 
son and One from Mr. Cheyney for w/ch i am extremely obliged to 
them, those are the onlv Letters I have receiv'd since I came to this 

117 



place, except One from Mr. Morton who was so kind as to inform 
me of your Wellfare. I have not neglected any safe conveyance in 
Writing to you, my two last (at least one of them I am not certain in 
regard to the other) went under Cover to Mr. Morton. I do now 
most sincerely ask your pardon for the Coolness and hardness of those 
2 letters as I find you have not been unmindfull of me who never 
scarcely has you out of my thoughts, indeed you must when you un- 
derstand that none of your letters before that time came to Hand 
Acc/t for the indifferency shown in those Letters, as my temper was 
sower'd by so many repeated disappointments. You will always find 
that I have mention'd in my Letters by whom the preceeding ones 
were sent, that you may have it in your Power to enquire should any 
of them Miscarry, should be very glad you would do the like, as any 
Villian that cou'd be found base enough to Stop or Open any letter 
wou'd be made a public Example of. I have had a very severe spell 
of the Flux and Bilious Fever it had reduced me very low and Weak 
I thank God I am now in good Spirits as ever, though very much re- 
duced in Flesh. I had a severe Lax at the time Mr. Jones went away, 
but was not attack'd with the other severe disorders till ab/t 4 weeks 
ago. I did not choose to mention any thing of this, as I know the 
ideas you wou'd have form'd of my situation, the Flux is not so fatal 
here as in Pennsylv/a otherwise few of Us wou'd have been alive. 
Colonel Haussegger promises me that he will wait upon you with this. 
He can inform you of every thing you wou'd wish to know of our 
situation here. He and I have lived together ever since We came to 
Long Island to this time in the greatest Harmony. I am sure you 
will treat him with every possible mark of kindness and esteem. 

Mr. Bartholomew, Mr. Seely and Mr. Griffith have all been very 
ill. Mr. Seely particularly has been given over by the Doctors at 
Lake George where he had gone, being a place where things necessary 
to his situation were more plenty than here, he is now return'd and 
will shortly be again fit for duty, the other two are also got very 
hearty, the Weather is getting cool and consequently more healthy. 
I expect to have the pleasure of seeing You and my dear Children, all 
my respected Friends and kind Neighbours in good Health ab/t the 
beginning of December, if not sooner. Our Commanding Officers 
are still firm in the Opinion that We shall be attack'd this Fall, if We 
are ; I make no doubt but that We shall make our enemies repent their 
rashness, I am sure Our Men will fight ; on every little alarm or Com- 
mand they show the greatest readiness to turn out. Our News here 
from New York is indeed very bad, to loose so many Noble Heroes is 
almost irrepairable, Poor Parry dy's like a Hero, a more firm Friend 
to America is not left, I cannot hear what has become of my Old 
Friend Anderson, The southern Troops should not be seperated, the 
Loss of Long Island is very much against Us, I nevertheless hope 

118 



that the Ardor which those repulses will Create in our Troops, will 
recover all those Misfortunes; We have heard this Day that the Con- 
gress have sent 3 Commissioners to Amboy in order to settle with 
Lord Howe, God Grant they may agree upon terms Honorable and 
safe for America. A prisoner came in the other day from the Enemy 
and informs L's that they do not exceed 8000 regulars sick and well, 
that they have built a floating Batterry mounting 24 eighteen Pound- 
ers, they have an Arm'd Sloop and a Schooner some Row daily's 
and 300 Batteaus all this I do not think equal to our Fleet, We have 
now here three Row dallies upwards of do feet long done off in the 
Strongest and neatest manner they will he ready to join the rest of 
our Fleet in a few days, each of them mount 2 large Cannon in their 
bow ami -■ in their stern and four upon Deck they row with near 40 
( )ars ami will have upwards of 150 men each. 1 saw an acc/t in one 
of the Xew England Papers that one of fleet here was taken, there 
is not the least truth in the report, it was suspected the tleet had an 
Engagement with the Enemy about 10 days ago as a Firing for up- 
wards of 2 hours was heard by the People at Crown Point it gave Us 
an alarm here as We thought the Enemy was advancing We after- 
wards heard that Gen/1 Arnold who Commanded the Fleet had sent 
a party of 16 men on Shore to cut fascines to lay along the sides of 
the Vessels, that a party of the Enemy who had heard of their being 
in the same place before, Fir'd upon our men kill'd 2 or 3 and wounded 
6 upon which the Fleet drew near the shore and fir'd a Considerable 
time into the Woods but without any effect that they cou'd learn. 
We have understood by the deserter mention'd before, that there is a 
party of Indians and Canadians sent out by the Enemy to annoy us. 
Four Companies of Ritle Men went Yesterday and are not to return 
till tomorrow evening in search after them. Two or 3 of the Yankee 
Colonells have died lately more of them are sick, indeed the most of 
them look like spectres, miserable Creatures they are, the more I am 
acquainted with them the worse I like them, I hop'd it wou'd be other- 
wise. 1 was yesterday with Cap/t Robinson and Mr. Christie upon 
Mount [ndependance the other side the Lake where the Chief of the 
New Englanders are encamp'd, upon our return in the Evening We 
were Oblige'd to wait a short time for a boat that was Coming over, 
when it came to shore and the Passengers were Landing. 1 espy'd our 
servant Jacob Down that ran away from Us. I laid hold of him, 
ask'd him if he knew me, he deny'd he had ever seen me. when I told 
him my name, after a considerable time he thought proper to recollect 
me, he had enlisted in Massachusetts, where I understand he was 
Born. I bro/t him over with me, his Captain came over shortly after. 
He and I have this day been about agreeing for his Price. I believe 
I shall get 51 dollars for him which is ab/t the sume he Cost me. I 
always expected to see him in the army and there has been scarce a 

119 



guard, Company or Battallion collected on this ground but I have had 
my Eyes employ'd looking out for him. 

Our Fleet is down the Lake at He of Mott ab/t ioo miles below this 
place. In regard to what you mention of Job Fallows, Mr. Potts can 
have no pretentions to the meadows but what Job himself gave him 
untill his lease expir'd, when he begins to quibble it is high time to 
bring him to his senses, I wou'd have Jemmy and you not wait a mo- 
ment as you will have no thanks — after the first of November We 
shall have the matter settled here whether the Enemy comes or not. 
I intend then to apply for permission to go Home, which I doubt not 
will be granted. We expect our Regiment will be order'd Home by 
that time tho' this is uncertain. For God's sake let no oppertunity 
slip. Mr. Morton or Mrs. Kennedy will forward your letter safe. I 
want stockings and shirts badly. I am not certain whether I shall be 
promoted or not, it is talk'd of. I want it not, My most sincere re- 
spects attend all Friends and Relations. I have not room to mention 
their names. My best Love to my lovely Children. 

I am my Dearest Polly y/r ever affectionate Husband 

Pers/r Frazer. 

P. S. Just as I was sealing this, news came into Camp that one 
Lieu/t Whitlow of the New Englanders and who kill'd General Gor- 
don is just come in here with two Officers Prisoners he took near S/t 
Johns, he having been again sent out on a scout what news they bring 
I cannot yet hear. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury, Chester County, Pennsylvania, 
p/r favour of 
Col/o Haussegger. 



Octo 2/d 1776 
My Dearest Love 

I Received this Evening your two Cruel Letters 
one of the i/st and one of the 9/th Sept/r which has been the mose 
Sever Stroke I have met with Sence our unhapy parting as my 
thoughts base run Chefly on this Day ten yeares I hav Spent the Great- 
est peart of the Day in the new Land you Charge me with neglect which 
I do asure you is Quite Rounge you are Scarce ever out of my thoughts 
this is 8/th Letter I hav Sent I have every thing redy for you that 
you Rote for Except the white Cloath and that I expect in a few 
Days I Should hav Sent Some of them be now but for want opertunity 
I have Spaird now paines I have been three times in Philadelphia 
Sence you Left mee to try to Get your things Sent but was all ways 
Disapinted I hav now Some hoope of Sending them as M/r Henry is 

120 



in Town you Say you Cannot forget the respect M/rs Kennedy Shose 
by Send Letter and necessaries to her Husband you will please to re- 
member Doc/'r Kennedy Rode ioo miles in the heate of Somer to See 
his wife you will Like wise remember that M/rs Kennedy is Settuaited 
on the Great Rode Sid with every possible advantaige your friends 
and Relation and Children are all well it wold give me Great Satis- 
faction to hare of your helth and well fair againe 1 am 

my Dear Percy your affectionate wife 

Mary Worrall Frazer 



Addressed 



To 
Cap/tn Persifor Frazer 
of the 4/th Pennsylv/a 
Regiment Commaned 
by Col Wayne at 
Ticonderoga 



Ticonderoga Octo. 2/nd 1776. 
My D/r Polly 

I wrote you the 23/d ult/o p/r Col/o Haussegger 
since which time little has transpir'd worth notice. We are in much 
the same situation and I am much reinstated in my health. I have 
receiv'd no ace, t since Mr. Jones from you. When We shall leave 
this place f can give you no acc/t of. There has been no further ace t 
of the Enemies motions, and am more and more confirm'd in my 
mind that they will not make an Attempt upon Us this Season. Our 
Superior Officers are of a different Opinion still. Two fine Row 
Gallics arc to go down the Lake to join the Fleet this day. one went 
down a few days since, and another is expected to be here from 
Skenesborough tomorrow', they mount from 8 to 10 large Cannon 
each and will have ab/t 100 Men on board each of them. 1 am in 
great want of Shirts and Stockings and other matters the weather is 
getting very cold almost the whole of our Regiment have got good 
Chimneys built to their Tents and many of the soldiers have gol g( ■ id 
warm huts built, w/ch makes them live much more comfortable than 
they otherwise wou'd do. 1 was the other day by Order of Gen/1 
Gates appointed Major to our Battallion untill the pleasure of Con- 
gress shall be known, there is another Major of my name at this place. 
The news from New York is not so good as I wou'd wish but think 
upon the whole We shall before the campaign ends turn the Tables 
upon our Foes, do when you write give me more full acc/t of things 
it gives me great satisfaction to hear of every matter from you. I 
shall make a push in ab/t 6 weeks to get leave to go Home as nothing 

121 



can be expected here after that time am in some hopes I shall obtain 
Liberty how it will be is however uncertain. I wou'd not wish to go 
while there is any probability of Action. I am sorry so many novices 
are appointed in Penns/a at the head of affairs, none but men of the 
first Character for knowledge and probity shou'd now be at the helm. 
The Gale is boisterous and requires men of the best abilities to man- 
age the Vessel and steer clear of rocks and shoals. 

Give my most unfeigned Love and respect to Nancy Peirce. Sally 
and Jemmy, Isaac and Betsy, Tommy Cheyney, Tommy Taylor, Billy 
Johnston and Wife my good old friend Joseph Gibbons and family and 
all other enquiring friends, may a kind heaven smile upon you and my 
dear Children no man on earth will be more happy than I to meet you 
and them in health and prosperity. 

I am my Dearest Polly your most 

Affectionate Husband 

Persifor Frazer. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer, in Thornbury, Chester County, Pennsylvania 
John Rolston Sutler. 



By a resolution of Congress, then sitting at York, Penna., 
of Nov. 12, 1777, Persifor Frazer, who had been raised to the rank of 
Major during the Ticonderoga campaign by Gen. Gates, was com- 
missioned Lt. Col. of the Fifth Penna. regiment to date from October 
1, 1776, (the day before the date of this letter.) To save confusion 
he will be referred to in the following pages either by this title, the 
highest conferred upon him by the National Government, or by the 
courtesy title of Colonel, which was more usual in all but strictly offi- 
cial intercourse. 



Oct. 8. 1776. October the 8 1776. 

My Dear Brother 

I received your kind Letter and 
Am very Much regoysed to hear that you have recov- 
ered from your Sickness blesed be god for It O My 
Dear Brother What An Excesiv joy Would It Give Me 
to Se you Again you that Are All the father the brother 
the friend I have Now Left My Dear Brother I Return 
you My Sincearest thanks for the kind Instructions you 
have give Me In your Dear Letter And with the help 
of God I Shall endeavour to follow them if It has 
pleased god to take from Me two of the kindest and 
best of parents he has also been pleased of his Infinite 

122 



goodness to bless me with you the Dearest and best of 
Brothers and If it Should be his blessed Will to bereave 
Me of you O My Brother What Would become of Me 
but I hope you Will be Spared to be a blessing to your 
Dear famm (torn) and Me I Cannot My Dear Brother 
bear the thoughts of such A Seperation It would Dis- 
tract My Very Soul to think of It And I trust that the 
Almighty God Will be your Defender And protect you 
in every Danger And return you Safe to us again It 
.Must give you the greatest Satisfaction to hear that No 
person ever Did behave In a More prudent prittyer 
Manner than your Wife Doth. 1 Ashure you that She 
is Admired by every person in the Neighberhood for 
her good Conduct And Management your Dear Little 
Babyes are All Well and no person was ever blessed 
with A Sweeter Child than your Dear Little peirce you 
Cannot think My Dear Brother what A Little Darling 
lie is () My Brother Let Nothing Stop you from Com- 
ing home As Soon As It is in your power Sister Sally 
Jacob and aunt betty Josshua way and his Wife Desires 
to be Remembered to you And All the Neibours Seems 
to be very Desireous of your return No people ever 
Seemd More obligeing than they Do to Sister Polly 
And Now My Dear Brother I Must Conclude And Re- 
main your ever Loving Sister. 

Ann Frazer 
Addressed To 

Cap/t Persifor Frazer a 

of the fourth Reg/mt of pensylvane 
Regulars Commaned by 
Co/In Wayne at Tyconderroga 



My Dearest 



Ticonderoga October 13/th, 1776. 



Last night an express arriv'd here from Crown Point 
informing that a Cannonading was heard the day before yesterday 
for a considerable time which they conjectur'd was an Engagement 
between the Enemies Fleet and ours, this morning three Guns were 
heard at this place fir'd at Crown Point, w/ch was to be the signal of 
the Enemies advancing the Guns were afterwards repeat'd, which 
confirm'd Us that they were advancing, shortly after an Express Boat 

123 



arriv'd confirming - our suspicions and acquainted that a very severe 
engagement had been between our Fleet and the Enemies yesterday 
and the day before, that the Enemy had lost two of their Arm'd 
Vessels w/ch were sunk and ab/t ioo Men in them drownd as also 
that others of their Vessells were very much hurt, the greatest part 
of this Forenoon We heard distinctly at this place an almost continual 
cannonading which ceas'd about 3 o'clock, two of our Vessels have 
since come here and say that this day our Fleet had the worst of the 
engagement that 4 or 5 Gondolas are taken or destroy'd as also 2 
Row Gallies, the greatest part if not all the men in them had got on 
shore, one of the Vessels has brought a Number of Wounded, she be- 
ing set apart for an Hospital to the Fleet. The Enemies number 
amounted to about Thirty sail arm'd Vessels and our 14 or 15 w/ch 
engag'd. The Army of y/e Enemy are certainly advancing and ex- 
pect by the day after tomorrow at the furthest that they will be here. 
We are all this day preparing to receive them properly and hope we 
shall behave in such a manner as to bring Credit to our Country and 
the Cause. 

October 14/th. 

Last night the sixth Penns/a Battallion arriv'd here 
from Crown Point, they having destroy'd the Buildings and abandon'd 
that place it was occupied only as an out Post and was to be deserted 
on the approach of the Enemy. The loss of our Fleet is greater than 
We at first understood. Out of Sixteen Sail, only 5 have return'd 2 
are taken, the remainder destroy'd chiefly by our People, as they 
were surrounded by the Enemy, General Arnold with about 200 men 
of the Fleet arriv'd here last night, he had the chief Command, the 
Vessell in w/ch he was he ran on shore and set fire to, and came here 
ab/t 30 miles by land. Our men seem in high Spirits and have great 
expectations from their Courage. 

We are all kept very busy in getting matters in proper order. 

How it will be with myself i can't say, but hope I shall not bring 
any dishonour on my Family or Country. Death is far preferable in 
my opinion to a Life of infamy. Our success here will be attended 
with the best Consequence, it will prevent the intended plan of junc- 
tion between the two armies, I hope we shall effect it ; I think We 
shall at least so weaken them that it will render that scheme abortive 
for this season, we have not heard of the strength of the Enemy's land 
Forces, they had stop'd about 5 miles below Crown Point when the 
last acc/ts came away I suppose to Consult what was to be next done. 
I shall write you by every oppertunity, this is to be forwarded by 
Cap/t Robinson of our Regiment who is going to Fort George Sick. 
Hope for the best my D/r Polly, Providence may have many happy 
Days in Store for Us. Let Us endeavor however to deserve its bless- 

124 



ings. My most unfeigned ardent Prayers await you and my Lovely 
Children, my best respects to mammy Pierce, Nancy, Sally, Sally 
Thomson and Jemmy. Betsy Taylor and Isaac and all my other Rela 
tions and good Friends and neighbors. 

I am your affectionate and ever Loving Husband. 

Persifor Frazer. 
To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury Chester County. 

To the care of the llonble John Morton Esq. Philadelphia. 



Octo 15/th 1776 
My Dearest Percy 

I received your dear Letter of 21/st Sep/r it givs 
me inexpressible Satisfaction to hear of your holt h and like wise to 
find that you are better pleased with my Conduct then you ware 1 
have nothing to acquse my Self with Except not Sending Letters ac- 
cording to your orders for which 1 am heartily Sony you hav 1 (issired 
me to Let you know by my Letters by whome the preceeding ones were 
Sent it is out of my power as the hav been Left at M/r Brookses 
or with M r Potts and the Sent them 1 never knew by whom the ware 
Sent it is great Satisfaction to your Freinds and neaghbours and to me 
and your Little faimly in perticuler that you have apinted the time 
you will Com home your Dear Little Children and 1 am well in helth 
your Sister Sally and her family and your Sister nancy and all you 
other Reletions and freinds are in good helth I heav ^'<\ the new Land 
Sode and have don all but a little ry and that we Shall finnish this week 
the neighbors has been very good the bought ther plows and helped 
mee your old freind Cheinny bought his neagro and Stad and Sode all 
the feild and to his Letter I must turn you for what new news wee hav 
Sturing here as I am going to Philadelphia this Evening with a box 
of Clothes for you there is in the box 4 Shirts 2 Ruffled and 2 plain 
2 pair woolling and 3 vvosted Stockings 3 yards of Linning 1 hat 2 
yards Black Ribbon 1 pair nuttings and 2 pair gloves 2 dozen Small 
and 3 Large Buttens a Box andersons pils a pen knife and thred 2 
Sticks of mohair white Black and red thred you Sister nancy Sally 
Tomson Betsy Taylor Sends there Love to you and your Little Sally 
and Bobby please to Give my Censeir Respects to all my acquaintance 
I am my Dear Percy with respectfull Complements your affectionate 
wife 



Addressed To 

Cap/t Persifor Frazer 
of the 4/th Pensylv/a 
Regiment Commaned 
by Col Wayne at 
Ticonderoga 

12; 



Mary Worrall Frazer 



Oct. 15. 1776. Thornbury October y/e 15/1776 

Dear Sir I Receivd your Letter of September y/e 21 
the 5 Day of October whearin you inform me you have 
been sick it must be a dowble affliction f— when from 
home whear proper attendance Cannot be Expected 
but it Gives me a Great Deal of Pleasure to heare you 
are so well Recoverd from your illness and Concearned 
Least you Should not be able/d to indure the Pinch- 
ing Cold of that Climate but I must Remind you not to 
forget to put on that blanket Coat you wear some time 
ago Speaking of I do assure you Polley have managed 
your business to admiration She bass Got the new 
Land Cleard Compleatly twise Plowd and Sood in Good 
time She turns out a very farmer I believe y/e Beauset 
must be neglected for y/e farmer seems to ingrose all 
her attention. Wee have heard hear that you wear Re- 
duced to half-alowance some time in September and 
at that rate not enough to Serve above 5 days and num- 
ors army of English Canadians and Indians Hourly Ex- 
pected to attackt you this Report wass Currenly be- 
leived by those who wear inclin/d to have had it so 
this news to Gether with the Loss of new York and 
Long Iseland have sweld our Tories above their Com- 
mon sise our old Friend Vernon by the advce of M/r 
morton Mr Graham and some other Cattle of the same 
Kind opened an Election on the first of October whear 
334 Electors as much a like as a hatch of Turkeys and 
very little more sence Met at Chester on y/e day be- 
fore mentioned and opened the Election in the old way 
Richard Baker W/m Swaford Robert Mendenhall 
Isaac Bullock as Judges the Proceded and Chose 
James Gibbons Charles Humpris Joseph Pennock 
Joseph Pyle John Minshall Robert Mendenhall Wil- 
liam West and Isaac Bullock for assembly — Nathaniel 
Vernon William Gibbons Shr/o William Kerlin Cor: — 
Adam Grub Comm : John Jones Frederick Fairlam 
John Tolbert Caleb James Emor Jefferis Abiah Tay- 
lor asses/r the Ole Gentleman — Shr/e Proceed to 
Philadelphia whear the Commity took him into their 
Cear nor would not Release him until he Gave bale for 
his appearance at a future Day Last Satterday wass y/e 
Day his advysors the Judges and inspecttors wear sum- 
monded to appear some did and some did not I have 
not heard what bass been Done but I Expect those 
that Did not attend will have y/e honour of being at- 

126 



tend by a file of musquetheers in a few 'lavs The prin- 
ciples of those men who are for Pasive obeydence and 
non Resistance do not a th their Practices Please 

to Remember me to .Mr Horper mr wane God Bless 
you in Every undertakeing is y/e Sincear wish ol 

Tho/s Cheyney 
Addressed To 

Captain l'eirsefor Frazer 

of the 4/ th Pensyv a Regment 

Command by Col : Wayne at 

at Ticonderoga 



17/6 1776 

My Dear Brother 

we have been Informed by M/r Jones what 
would have giveing me a great Deal of uneasiness had I a knowd It 
before that you had had the flux but he Save'- thai you were on the 
mending hand when he Left you blesed be god for It" All the Comfort 
1 have My Dear Brother is to hear from you but — 1 Am very Sorry 
that the yank es Merrit no better Carractter than you give them And 
M r Jones barbers no better opinion of them than you Do I would 
not for the world that It was known Amongst our tories here there 
would be no Liveing Among them At Any Kate they have had Com/d 
Wayne and John harper and All Cap t Robisons Company Dead \ 
Long time and Richard parks is very Sure that your Are Dead for he 
Says that After your head was Shot of you wrote a letter to your 
Wife to Let her know Jehu taylors wife told Si-ter polly that She 
heard that as John Set \t his breakfa (torn) hall took Away his head 
Into the Air Morn) into the Chocolate pot thai (torn) 
And All his Company was Certanly In york goal And A thousand 
Such things but this will give some Idea of the way these Christians 
Goes on here old M 'r Joseph talbert was yesterday Married to M rs 
Nanny Sharpless 1 suppose that nothing ever exceeded the old gentle- 
man for Smartness hut I Dare Say thai he Could not refrain from 
puling up his breches behind I wrote to you before witch togather 
with a Letter from tommy Cheyney was Left At M r Brookse> Sister 
Sally Jacob etc and Aunt betty Desires to Send there besl Love and 
Respects to you your Dear Little babyes is All well And I hope will 
be A great Comfort And blesing to you And now My Dear Brother 
that the Almighty god will Direct and guide you in All your troubels 

127 



and Dificultyes And Defend you In the time of Danger and Return 
you Safe (torn) Again is the Sincear (torn) faithfull friend and (torn) 

Ann frazer 
Addressed To 

to the Cap/t Persifor frazer 

Care of of the 4 Pensyvania 

the Re/v Re/g Commanded by 

M/r Jones Col/d Wayne 

At tyconderroga 



Brother 

with peculiar pleasure i could once have writen to you as i 
believe you to be my Sincere freind and i can with the greatist truth 
Say one i Sincerely Love and whose happyness i wish in this world 
and in that more blessed State awaits the truly pious hereafter you 
may wonder at my writing to you now as i would not if i could have 
the pleasure of Seeing you but as the great god before whose pres- 
ence we must all before long appear knows me to be clear of what your 
wife says to my charge i am easy about what She Says and as i be- 
lieve my time here to be Short i Should be glad our afairs were Setted 
and that to obey the commands of a dying mother we lived more like 
Cristians than we do at present i Should be glad to See you and if you 
will be so kind to let me know if you have got me any feathers i Should 
be oblidged to you as i now want them if you would Send a few lines 
by my Sister i Should take it kind 

from your 

Sister Sarah Vernon 

This undated letter is evidently not in its proper place. 



October (2) 1776 
My Dear Sister Polly 

I think there Never was As od A Creature As 
My Self for Since I Left your house I have Cryd My Self Mad And 
Now I think I have Courage Sufitient to fight All the Savage Army 
God Send I May not Retain My Integrity until to Morrow 

from your Sincear friend and 

Sister Ann frazer 
Head Quarters the Night before 
we ingage the ennimy 
Addressed For 

M/rs 

Mary Frazer 

128 



Octo 20/th 1776 
My Dearest Percy 

I received a Letter of 2/d of this month it givs 
niee inexpressible Satisfaction to fine that you are So well reinstated 
in your Helth I can Scarcly beare to think that you are now So un- 
certian of Coming hom when you gave me So much Hoops in your 
Letter p Col Haussegger if you can not Com this winter pray Let me 
know for certian and please to give me leave to Come to you and 
shall Scr that nether Mountens nor Laks frost nor Snow Shall be able 
to Step me from the inexpressible pleasure of Seeing you your being 
promoted 1 feair is what keeps you if So 1 Cold wish either wise my 
Love 1- a over ballance for my pride no person Can be in greater 
aStaim then you are both with whig and Tory your Letters is often 
Call upon to disside Dissputs Espesully them to M r Morton and \1 r 

ind by the Tory account the are Very Dift'ent from my Letters 
the Say you hav been upon half aLouance I understand M r Morton 

Left the Congress 1 and your Dear Little Children are in pood 
Helth at present tho little Mary aim has been exceeding ill for menny 
Days 1 thought She would Scarce recovered 1 have don Sowing, your 
new Land Looks Charmingly it is Sowd with English wheat that wayd 
62 there is Scarcly any in the Naighbourhood that ways above .49 or 
50 1 am blest with the best of Neighbours your friend Calib Linton 
Came with 2 plows one Day I would be glad you would wight to him 
or remembour him in your Letter to me he has Exsprest great friend- 
ship for you he is filling his new Seller with good Lickers and Says 
be will pend this winter very plesently if you Coins home I have never 
yet seen Col. Haussegger I went all through Philadelphia and Cold 
not find his Lodging it would give me great plesure to See him I 
hav Sent you 2 rul'tlid and 2 plain Shirts the are far from being as 
good as I Cold wish I give 12 Shillings a yard for 6 yard of the Linning 
the are maid of and 28 Shilling a yard for the Caimbrick that is on 
them 1 hav Lik wiss Sent you 5 yard whit Cloath 4 yd while Lyning 
1 red Mailing waist Coat 1 pair Shoses 5 pair Stockings 2 pair gl 
and 1 pair mittings 1 hat 3 y/d Linning Cloath 2 dozen and 3 buttens 
Some butten molds 2 y/d black ribon 1 box anderson pils thred news 
pepers the fall of Brittish Tinny 2 Sticks of white mohier 1 pen knif 
please remember Jacob Vernon and Sally in your Letters or right to 
them Jacob has behavd as moch Like a brother as any of the three 
Mame Peirce is very ill and Says She thinks She Shall never See you 
more She and little polly Sends ther Love to you Sister nancy and 
little Sally and Bobby ScmL there Love Dady Gibbons and tsaac and 
betcy Tomme and Sally Sends ther best respects to you 1 hav never re- 
ceived a penny from Vanhorn I can not get him to make Nails nor any 
thing that I want I hav had £4 [OS of Job not any from Tommy Jo 
•on 1 hav had the misfortune to Loose our Largest < >\ and bunny 

129 



Rachils babe please to give my Respectfull Complements to Doc/tr 
kennedy M/r Jones, Mr Harper and the rest of my acquaintances with 
you I am my Dearest Percy wishing wishing you ever blessing that 
kind heaven can bestow your affectionate wife 

Mary Worrall Frazer 
Addressed To 

Cap/tn Persifor Frazer 

of the 4/th Pensylv/a Regiment 
Commane'd by Col Wayne at 
Ticonderoga 



November 16/th, 1776 
My Dearest Polly 

In my last mention'd the approach of the Enemy 
and our being in constant expectations of an attack from them, their 
morning and Evenings Guns were constantly heard for 14 or 15 days, 
parties of Canadians and Indians were hovering round our Lines in 
the night ; they kill'd a sick man that two others were taking to the 
landing and made prisoners of the men, who were sent back after- 
wards. They took another prisoner a few days after from an En- 
campment of New England Troops ab/t a mile from this. For fear 
of being surpriz'd We were obliged to do very severe duty. We ap- 
prehended the Enemy propos'd to repair the Fortifications and Bar- 
racks at Crown Point w/ch might secure their retreat should they 
be unfortunate in their attempt upon Us and that they wou'd continue 
there all Winter their Numbers We frequently heard amounted to 
1 0000 as we had many Spies and reconnoitring parties out to bring 
us intelligence, They had an advance part ab/t 4 miles on this side 
under the protection of their Vessells thus matters continued till Mon- 
day the 28/th, last month in the morning; our advanc'd Boat made 
the signals that the Enemy were approaching, alarm Guns were fired 
from our different Batterries and in a few minutes every person able 
to carry a musket was at his Post. One of the Enemies Boats pres- 
ently hove in sight and advanced within ab/t 3/4 of a mile of One of 
our Batterries on board this Boat We have since heard was One Gen- 
eral Phillips Colonel Carlton and an Engineer and other Officers. 
Their intent was to take a View of our Works that they might know 
where to attack Us to most advantage. We let them Satisfie their 
curiosity near half an Hour and when they were going off, We thought 
they would reckon Us impolite if We should take no notice of them, 
We saluted them with five Cannon, One had the desir'd effect and 
went through their Boat kill'd their Enginier and wounded another 

130 



man as we have since heard, they then made oil as fast as they could. 
Shortly after this We saw 14 flat Bottomed Boats full of Men cross- 
mi; over the Lake We thought this parly were to take possession of a 
piece of ground opposite one of out Batterries and w ch wou'd very 
much annoy it. about this time We heard 3000 of them had landed on 
our .-ale ah t j 1 J miles of, and were approaching to attack our lanes. 
Our Colours of the different Regiments were stuck on the I op of our 
Breast Works by way of Challenge for them to Win them and Wear 
them 1 never had greater satisfaction than to see the ardor with which 
our Men were possess'd they show'd the true kind of cool, deliberate 
Courage; every man wishing and preparing Ins Arms for their ap- 
proach, after keeping us thus employ 'd greatest part of the day, 
they thought it most prudent to return to Crown Point, they had a 
very fair view of every part almost of our Works, a- also of our Troops 
and I am certain they were nol pleas'd with the sight; the day was 
fine and nothing hut their timidity hinder'd the Fate of Canada and 
indeed of almost America to be decided; and never were men in a 
better disposition to end the Quarrel] by conquest or Death than our 
Troops. — However their retreat will have verj near the same effect 
as a defeat, their great preparations for this Campaign in Canada, has 
ended in nothing more than destroying a number of our Vessells. 
Our Army had not possession of any place that could he defended in 
that Country they have suffered a vast deal by Sickness as Well as our 
Army, tin- We are certain of as a Serjeant of our Army who was taken 
prisoner last Summer and had been sick in their Hospital at Montreal 
and who return'd the other day informs Us, that he had seen [9 taken 
out to buried in one day. — The Enemy continued at Crown Point till 
the J nd ins t and then made their retreat which appears to have 
been in a hurry as they left many things behind which would not have 
been the Case if they had proceeded deliberately. I believe their hurry 
proceeded from an order given by General Gates that every Person 
in Camp should he provided with three days provision ready cooked 
and as many Tory inhabitants live round us, they were certainly 111 
form'd of, and concluded that We intended to pay them a Visit. 

Two parties one of 400 on our side the lake and 500 on the other 
side were sent off by us to attack their advane'd 1'ost at Putnams 
Creek they set out Saturday Evening and propos'd to be ready t< 
tack them early the next Morning, hut they found that they left then- 
Post. Parties were sent to Crown Point to reconnoitre and they 
brought word that the last of them were just embarking some of their 
Vessells still remaining to protect them. We kept -till upon our 
guard fearing they might have done this by way of stratagem to de- 
ceive Us. A Boat w/th a flag is sent down w th a Flag to gain in- 
telligence of their intentions on their return we shall take our meas- 
ures accordingly, during the whole lime from their approach, till this 

131 



day We have scarcely had time to eat our Victuals, We constantly lay 
w/th our Cloaths on and were frequently turning out the Picket 
Guards 2 or three times in the night and in the day all hands off other 
duty at Work to give them a genteel reception w/ch they wou'd have 
had had they advanced. Thus have We disappointed their two Grand 
Armys from forming a junction, w/ch appears to have been their chief 
design and would have been attended with unhappy consequences. I 
hope Gen/1 Washington will have it in his power to make Lord Howe 
and the Gen/1 seek for safety at Halifax or England to spend the 
Winter, In the spring I hope they will find We shall have an Army in 
every thing baffling their expectations by that time it is possible their 
Eyes may be at last open to their Interest. You must excuse my in- 
correct writing as I am frequently interrupted with other matters. I 
have just receiv'd your letters by Mr. Lucas I shall write you another 
letter. Adieu. 



Ticonderoga Novem/r 18/th, 1776. 
My Dearest Polly 

I received your inesteemable letters of the 2/nd, 
15/th, and 20/th of October by Mr. Lucas as also One from Mr. 
Cheyney and One from Nancy, it gives me the highest satisfaction to 
understand you, the Children and all our Friends are in such good 
Health, my dear little Mary Ann Excepted who I hope is recovered as 
you inform me she was better. 

I am surpriz'd Col. Haussegger did not go to see you as he prom- 
is'd me in the most punctual manner that he would not neglect it. 
I cou'd make out pretty well without the Cloaths, if I had the Stock- 
ings, as they are the Articles I am most in need of, it will be needless 
to send any of them now, as I have this day obtain'd permission to 
set off from here in Company with Doc. Kennedy the first of next 
Month and hope in 10 days from that time I shall be happy in the 
Company of you my sweet Children and my Friends. — This day I 
went with others to Lake George to bid Farewell to Gen/1 Gates who 
is going to Philad/a Gen/1 Arnold and Gen/1 Brickett also went with 
him. He deserves great Praise for his conduct at this place, No man 
could have in my opinion done more nor have given more General 
satisfaction than he has ; it would surprize any Person to see what 
has been done since our first arrival here. Colonel Wayne has now 
the Command entirely at this place. The first Pennsylvania Battallion 
with two of the Jerseys went from this on Friday last 6 or 7 New Eng- 
land Regim/ts have march'd since that time and in a few days all 
those that are not to stay the winter will decamp. Three of the Penn- 

'3- 



sylvania Regim ts One of the Jerseys and as many New England 
Troops as will make ab/'t -500 are to form a Garrison lor this place 
until! fresh Troops are sent to relieve them, it was with a good deal 
of trouble 1 obtain'd Liberty to leave them, as Colonel Johnson and 
Cap t Robinson left this Sick some time ago. But as the danger 
from the Enemy is now entirelj at an End ami our People will ha\ «.- 
got into Barracks bj tin- the tune 1 shall go away and very little can 
he done iin ne this Winter 1 was very urgent untill I obtain'd Per- 
mission, A number of our young officers are to go tomorrow or next 
day recruiting for the Regiment 1 expect Mr Bartholomew will go 
and he promises to deliver you this imediately on his getting home. 

He is a very worthy Young Fellow and a most excellent ( >fficer. I 
had wrote the inclos'd just as I receiv'd your letters, by it and what 
.Mr. Bartholomew can inform, you will have a pretty just acc/t of our 
transactions here since the Enemies approach. A few days after they 
abandon'd Crown Point a ilag of Truce was sent from hence aftei 
them, with an English Officer who had been taken in Canada last 
Spring and whom the Congress had permitted to return to his fam- 
ily, the main intention was to discover their situation as the officer 
had arrived here before the Enemy had retreated. Yesterday the 
Boat return'd and We learn that our People that went w/th the blag 
bail been very ill used by General Phillips and the other scoundrelly 
there, who no longer pay any regard to acts of generosity and human- 
ity. Their army is gone into Winter Quarters their Fleet unrigg'd 
General Burgoyne gone to England to give a splendid account of their 
illustrious actions and prudent retreat from an army not equal in num- 
ber and who they affect to despise in order to inspire their Villainous 
Mercenary Hirelings with courage w/ch they will stand much in need 
of when they attempt this place, if We have an army equal to the t >ne 
We have had, though much Weaken'd by sickness, and strugling 
with many other difficulties which experience and attention will sup- 
ply the next Season. It may be expected they will indeavor to at- 
tack us early in the Spring and no pains should be spared to be in 
readiness. 1 am 1 thank God very well reinstated in my Health. The 
weather has been extreemly pleasant 6 or 7 Weeks past the air is 
sharp and clear and we can see the Mountains cover'd with Snow 
about 30 or 40 Miles off, I live very Warm and comfortable in my 
Tent We have no great variety of provision Beef and Bread being the 
standing Dish, I have been very happy in living in great Harmony 
with every Body here. The being absent from you gives me the most 
uneasiness. I have been frequently employ'd in doing matters distinct 
from my Duty in the Regiment and have I believe yielded satisfac- 
tion. Colonel Wayne is in the highest esteem for his Spirit attention 
to discipline and the services he has done in the Engineer depart- 
ment, the works on this side being almost entirely under his direction 

133 



and indeed few excell him in any thing in the Military Line, One or 
two Generals and all the older Colonells were sent oft" the Ground in 
order to make room for him to Command. It gives me the highest 
satisfaction that my good friends and neighbours should treat you 
with so much kindness and attention. I shall never forget their 
favours and hope to have it in my power to acknowledge and repay 
them for their friendship. 

Col. Wayne, Doct/r Kennedy, Mr. Harper and all your other ac- 
quaintance are well. Please to inform Mrs. Cheyney that I have made 
all possible enquiry concerning her Brother, 1 apprehend he went 
w/th Gen/1 Arnold from Cambridge last year into Canada and as none 
of the Troops that went on that expedition are now or have been at 
this place this Season it is not likely I shall be able to hear of him as 
1 imagine he must have gone with the Rifle Companys who were 
most of them taken Prisoners last Winter at Quebec and as those 
prisoners I understand are sent home it is most probable by finding 
out and enquiring of some of those Persons an account may be had 
of him. Mr. Cheyney will be kind enough to excuse my not answer- 
ing his letter; I am twenty times in an Hour interrupted. I am very 
much obliged to him for the information he gave relating to affairs 
in our Country. I hope e'er long there will be but one opinion, as 
there is but one interest in Pennsylvania. I think the convention 
were not politic in making so many alterations from the old establish- 
ment. Give my most sincere compliments to Mr. Brinton (tell him 1 
hope to taste some of his good Liquors before Christmas.) as also to 
my good Friends Cheyney, Jacob Vernon old Mr. Gibbons, Billy John- 
son and wife. My love and respects to Mammy Pierce (who i am 
sorry to hear is unwell) to Sally Thomson Betsy Taylor, Nancy, Sally 
Vernon and Isaac and Jemmy and Polly Pierce and every other my 
good Neighbours and Friends, my best Love awaits you and my 
lovely little Children. I am my dear Polly 

Your ever affectionate Husband 

Persifor Frazer 



"Anthony Wayne" by John Armstrong. (Jared Sparks library of Amer- 
ican biography 1835.) 

"After defeating a small naval armament on the lake commanded 
by Arnold, he (Gen. Carleton) advanced It's army to Crown Point ; 
whence he began a series of close and careful reconnoitrings * * * 
The old fortifications were found to have been so repaired and new 
ones so multiplied as to forbid an assault, while from the lateness of 
the season and condition of the weather a siege and an investment 
became equally hopeless. Under these new impressions the British 

134 



General determined to suspend all offensive operations until the 
Spring: and accordingly withdrew his army to Canada for the winter. 
\\ hile these events took place in the north, defeated on Long Island 
and driven from New York, Washington was hastily retreating 
through the Jerseys. The moment that Gates was able to assure 
himself that Carleton's retrograde movements was not a ruse de 
guerre Gates marched eight regiments to Washington's assistance 
leasing Wayne in command at Ticonderoga" (pp. i _> and 13) 



"Dream of Thomas Cheyney Esq r during Gen. Washington's en- 
campment at Valley Forge." 

"He imagines himself sitting in a strange room, near a table spread 

witli costly articles of American manufacture, in the centre of which 
stands a decanter of Wine. When the company is seated the de- 
canter smi^s the following song." 

1 Cheerful spirits here we'll stay 

And guard against despotic sway; 
Though Britain's numerous frightful fleet, 
Makes oceans groan beneath its weight, 
And guns and drums cry out so loud 
To appease the vengeance of their Lord, 

Yet America will be free — 

Yet America will be free ! 

2 Tho vassal powers them aid afford 

\nd demons crowd their council board, 
Yet Innocence will raise its cries 
And rend the cloud that shrouds the skies. 
And mercy will her aid afford, 
And confound their council board. 

Yet America will be free — 

Yet America will be free ! 

^ Third Stanza mislaid * * * 

-| The ruffians return in vile disgrace — 
Shame and confusion mar each face 
And, when before their Lord they come 
They're struck with disappointment dumb — 
Begone ye scoundrel paltry knaves 
You yourselves are the greatest slaves, 
Yet America will be free — 
Yet America will be free! 

A. H. 

135 



"The Squire Cheney was a near neighbor & kind friend of Gen. & 
Airs Frazer, often cheering the latter by his hopefulness & sympathy. 
In the darkest time for her, while her husband was at Ticonderoga 
and other affairs of the country were most discouraging, as she sat 
one morning by the fireside weeping, he came in, and said "Polly dont 
give up. It will all come true. I dreamed I sat by my candle stand 
& there were three bottles on it, I was mourning over the state of 
the country, when out went one of the corks & a smoke & a voice 
came out". He then repeated several stanzas of doggerel verse, each 
ending with "America will & shall be free". After sing.ing this the 
cork retreated to the bottle. He added "Now Polly this will come true 
I know." " (From a lecture by Dr. I. W. Riley) 



136 



CHAPTER III 

The Year i 



i i , 



The interval b* 
and ■ j was 

• - g ed. 

— 
My D, r Polly 

There ai some Ships of \\ 
four of them are as Bombay Hook. 

hend 
to divert us from - m< :her views e: a few 

termine the matter. The - We have 

two stout Row Gallies H . 

Colonel Johnston set out for the Jerseys. I am to stay. I don't know- 
how long, please I -end me the cloath for the i ngs etc Send my 
Horse down on Saturday. 

I am y r Loving Husband 

Persifor F: . 

To Mrs. Marv Frazer. Thornhurv. 



Apl. 29. 1777. D r Co 1. 

I wrote you som g Sent Vanhorn to in- 

form you that Noblit was very likely to get I n of 

. which he has Effected a few Pays ag 
breaking Open the Doore as Vanhorn says, who is mov'd 
off and left the g with the Idea that all is his 

own without Interruption. 

I presume you know y e only S taken is to repre- 

sent the Matter to the Board of War who Represent the 

57 



Supream Executive Cauncil and who I make no Doubt 
will immediately Comit him to Prison and put an End to 
the Dispute 

I am Dr Sir with Respectfull complements to M/rs Fra- 
zer in which my Wife joins 

Y/r most Hble Ser/t 
Apl. 29/th, — 77 Sam Kennedy 

Address. Co/1 To 

Persifor Frazer 
at his House 



SUMMER CAMPAIGN IN NEW JERSEY. 

Camp at Mount pleasant June 9/th, 1777. 
My D/r Polly 

I arrived here in good Health on Saturday last, every 
thing appear'd as agreable as I could wish. We have a fine Army, in fine 
Health and Spirits and in a fine disposition to fight. General Wayne is 
as hearty as ever I saw him, Our Regm/t is fix'd in the advanc'd divis- 
ion of the army and guard all the passes through the Hills. We have 
constantly partys out harassing them and there is not a day passes but 
many deserters come over to Us and very few of our men leave Us. 
We have intelligence that the Enemy are prepar'd to embark on short 
notice, and think the Course of a week will turn out something of im- 
portant. We have no want of Necessaries and a fine healthy situation; 
how long we may be kept here I cannot determine. I had the bad luck 
to loose my Horse on Sunday but hope to get him again. If you can 
get the other on any reasonable terms send him to me if he is not more 
than 8 years old, We have an officer or two at Chester that you may 
send him by should you agree. I want some Paper, my Ink pot was 
forgot and is in the Desk. I was up all last night visiting the guards, 
and am rather out of trim to write. We are in Gen/1 de Haas's Bri- 
gade and Major Gen/1 Lincoln's division, who is an agreable fine Gen- 
tleman. Our regiment still bears the Belle indeed there is none in my 
opinion deserve it better, you know I have a little tincture of vanity. I 
wou'd not have you give more than £ 80 or f 85 for the Horse. This 
goes by Mr. Abraham Robinson of Naaman's Creek, who is to leave it 
at Mr. Cowplands where I shall send all my Letters, except when they 
are to stop at Philadelphia and then they will be left at Mr. Vandegrifts. 
I have got the Hanker/s from Mr. Henry. — Mrs. Henry desires you 
to have her flax hackled. Our Army is daily increasing. — Give my 
best respects to all Friends my Love to Sally, Nancy, Sally Thomson, 

138 



u 



t-y* 



[Mmollmu n J ■■ :: •: DDNLAP.] 

'//£/•/• n igcJ Year", In! 

_ liigl\ I lair, ., Complexion, born in 

hie refiding in S&/& do voluntarily 

itfvlt rnyl' tlf m a S iMi.-r in i!i--Mbiu Regiment of Foot, comminded by mt- 
MN********!*, mi theService of the United Statci of Amiiica, «► 
fervc during t'le War, if not fooncr ddcharged. An i to be Hibjeo) fb luch 

•Rules and A rticlc. as are or lhall be clhbiillicJ by - I rcrnment of the 

'Army. WtTxtss my Hind, this Z/,ir/ Day ot i /rCa y A II i 

T > ,V " J ;'' //-» r7 •.<- Da»fwr:.r to be true and faithful to the 

J/Unitfh St ati ; ok Aw.- pica, and to fer-e them honeftly and faithfully .1 jainfl ill 
their Enemies and Opp'ofcrs wha:!oevcr, and :o obferve and obev (he Orders ot the Gene- 



4^'F , '&;'//"<»<> 



R 1 



ECEIVED, tnt Day of 1777. ol 

the Sum of 1'wimtt Dollaii, bcinj t!ie 
^i - Bo-inty ordered by Con^ref; :o be paid me. 



V 



i 



Six-tenths, lineal m< i t, of the original. 



! 



Philadelphia, May i, 1777. 

Head Quarters. 

GENERAL ORDERS. 

ALL the Officers of the Continental Army, now 
■£*■ in this City, are to attend Tomorrow Morning 
at fix o'Clock at the Statehoufe, to receive General 
Schuyler's Orders. 

By Order of General Schuyler, 

James Van Renjfelaer, Aid-de-Camp. 



Fifty-six hundreths, lineal measurement, of the orginal. 



Betsy Jemrri; and Isaac if he is return'd my Blessg. to my sweet Chil- 
dren. I am my D/r Polly 

Your affect/te Husband. 

Pers/r Frazer. 
To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township Chester County, to be left 
Mr. Davi( Cowplands, in Chester. 
' by 

Ab/m Robinson Esq/r 



Mount Pleasant, near Bound Brook June 17 ,'th, 1777.)* 
My Dear J olly, 

I wrote you 5 or 6 days ago p r Mr. Abraham Robinson 
directed to the care of Mr. Cowpland in Chester w/ch I doubt not you 
have receiv'd by this time. On Thursday or Friday last the enemy's 
main body left Brunswick and advane'd about 3 miles, their advance 
guard as f ir as Somerset; the intent of their movement was to procure 
forage and in case We should move to attack, that they might take pos- 
session of the Ground we occupy, which is naturally very strong. Their 
situatio is very strong; a river on each wing of their army, and a 
large c p swamp in their Front; so that an attempt to attack them 
would he very imprudent. On Saturday last the whole of our army 
were order'd to have their Baggage and Tents in the Waggons, then 
were Se' t off to a place of safety, and our troops were order'd to lay on 
their ar ts all night. We expected every moment to receive orders to 
march to attack them, untill Sunday afternoon when Orders were 
given to pitch our Tents again, ami We are now in the same situation 
we were before. A number of Rifle Men and two or three reg/ts were 
sent off and kept them employ M Saturday and Sunday, the enemy 
fired a vast deal, and all the Execution they did was to kill One Man 
and wound another. We have taken several Prisoners, a great Number 
of deserters have come Over to Us lately. In a very short time you 
may expect to hear of a General attack; as We shall be greatly rein- 
forced. The General has the entire confidence of the army. Our other 
Generals are men of the best character for courage and understanding; 
and if God will but smile upon us every thing within human foresight 
appears encouraging. Our regiment with several others of our State 
have the Post of Honor in the Front at the Gap of the Hills the re- 
mainder of the army are encamp'd behind us. I am clearly of Opinion 
a very Short time will decide the Controversy. I am greatly Pleas'd 



* This letter is nearly illegible and will perhaps become entirely so in ;i Few 
years. It was written originally with inferior ink and but for the softness of 
the paper and the vigorous pressure which furrowed it. inucli would now lie ei I 
undecipherable. It has been very carefully examined and the above copy is correct 

(P. F. Feb. 18. 1905) 

139 



to hear the Pen. Militia are turning out so Generally; this is the time to 
gain immortal Honor in the service of their country. One grand exer- 
tion will certainly put a finishing stroke to the dispute, and then peace 
and Happiness will ensue if We have Virtue enough to accept the de- 
sirable guests. You may have oppertunities to write, as there are sev- 
eral of our officers about Chester. I have sent off my Chest with my 
Papers and most part of my cloaths 8 or 9 miles off under the care of 
Captains Moore and Christy who are both sick. I have yet heard 
nothing of my Horse, tho' I am still in Hopes I shall get him again. I 
have got my inkpot w/ch I tho't I left behind. — I have nothing more 
than I can recollect worth Writing. Give my most unfeigned love and 
respect to all my relations, Friends and Neighbors. My best love to 
my Dear Children. 

I am, my Dearest Love, 

Your affectionate Husband 
Persifor Frazer. 
Mount Pleasant 
near Bound Brook 

June 17. 1777. 
Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury, Chester County. 
To the care of Mr. Joseph Vandegrift, Sign of Cross Keys. 
Philadelphia. 
Fav/d by 
Col. Irvine. 



(June 20/th, 1777.) 
My D/r Polly 

My last to you was p. Col/1 Irvine directed to the care of 
Mr. Vandegrift. The Enemy notwithstanding their great Threats 
and preparations have return'd again to Brunswick Yesterday they 
have in many instances behav'd very cruel to the Inhabitants where they 
pass'd. A respectable woman they Hung by the Heels so long that 
when they took her down she liv'd but a few Minutes, Plunder and 
Cruelty Mark their steps where there is scarce a soul but Tories. 

We have been in constant readiness to march this 6 or 7 Days, twice 
We have had all our Baggage in the Waggons, but still remain in our 
former Camp. We have constant parties attacking them, a number of 
prisoners and deserters are daily Sent in about 20 within this 2 days. 
Among whom a Captn and Lieuten/t who were bro/t off within 300 
yards of their Main Body. They are very much afraid of Us, every 
Motion Shews it, their Cannon are constantly brought up if but ten men 
attack them. 

I should be very Glad to hear from you, I have not yet rec'd any letter 
from you. We live here in the greatest Harmony. We have plenty of 

140 



every necessary which will cost no small sum during the Campaign. I 
have not heard a Word ab/t my Horse, Shou'd be glad to know wh< 
1 can get Isaac's or not. 1 have still hopes thai 1 shall find him. Mr. 
Griffith and 2 or 3 others of our ( (fficers arc behind by whom you may 
Write, send me word how Noblit goes on and who has got into the 
I [ouse. If there is no prospect of Action shall endeavor to be Home 
ag/t Harvest, though it will he very uncertain. 

Give my sincere and respectfull compliments to all relations and 
Friends. My best Love to my D/r Children. 

I am my D/r Polly y/r ever affect/a Husband. 
June 20. 1777 Pers/r Frazer. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer. Thornbury, Chester County. 
to be left at Mr. Vandegrifts, Cross Keys. Philadelphia 
fav/d by 
L/t Forbes. 



(June22/d, 1777.) 
My Dear Percy 

I Received yours of the 9/th and 17/th of June which Gives 
me Pleasure to find you are in Health and Spirits and that Matters are 
no worse for we have had Dreadfull accounts hare that the Enemy was 
within 35 miles of Philadelphia yesterday week it has made a Great stir 
among Militia the first Draft is to be in Chester this week and Some I 
heard went Last I am Sorry to heare you hav Lost your Horse as I am 
not Like to pet the other he is Since Sold for a Hundred Pound Nob- 
let took possession of the House the night that the men Left it and is 
there Still as m/r Chaney dont like to do any thing in it till you Come 
I lome if you think I had better try to get him out Let me know in what 
manner I Shall proceed and I will do my indcavour I have nobody to go 
in if the Hous was Lmtv, Col Hannum is Come home and he Swears 
Every man in his Draft Shall go he took but one Day to rest him Self 
after his Long Journey I Shall Send your Stockings and the Linning 
for your Briches in two weeks if I can get an opertunity your family 
Relations and Friends and Neighbours are in good Health Little Sally 
and Bobby gives there Love to you please to give my CompementS 
General to Wayne and M/r Harper and M/r Jones and Cap tn 
Betholumy 

I am my Dearest Love your affectionate wife 
Mary Worrall Frazer 
June 22/d 1777. 
please to let me know the Number of the Enemy in your next 

To Col. Persifor Frazer. of the 5/th Pens a Regiment at Mount 
pleasant near Bound Brook New Jerse 

Recommended to the care of M/r David Cowpland in Chester, 
recommended to the care of M/r Chatson Philadelphia. 

141 



(probably June 1777) 
My D V Polly 

My last to you was p. M/r Forbes of our Reg/t who prom- 
is'd to deliver it to you himself since that time I have receiv'd two of 
yours, earlier in date than the one I then mention'd — I am now re- 
turn'd to Camp pretty well recover'd — when I shall see you is uncertain 
but hope it will be before long as I intend to crave Liberty — the weather 
is getting cool and shall want some of my warm Cloathing — if I could 
get some white cloath and trimmings for a Couple of Jacketts and trim- 
ming and lining (white) for some light blue Cloath would be satisfied 
for Coats and Jackets — The News relating to Sullivan you will have in 
the papers before this time — A movement of our Army We expect will 
take place before long, it is thought to the eastward — Your letters may 
be sent to the post — I have just time to give by best respects to all 
friends and my love to my D/r Children and to tell you 

I am ever yours. 

Pers/r Frazer. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer in Thornbury, to be left at Major Arch Dicks 

near Marcus Hook 

p. favour 

Mr. Henderson. 



Wednesday July 2. 1777 
My Dearest Polly 

This is my third Letter to you since I came to the Jerseys, 
since I wrote my last our Villainous Fnemys have entirely evacuated 
this State. On Saturday night was a Week, upon intelligence that the 
Enemy intended to leave Brunswick, Gen/1 Wayne w/th part of his 
Brigade am/t to ab/t 500 was sent off to intercept their march on the 
East side of the Rariton, Gen/1 Vernon with a number was also order'd 
on the other side, whilst Gen/1 Sullivan was to advance from Prince- 
town and cooperate w/th the others. About Sunrise our vigilant 
countryman began to fire on a very large Body across the Bridge at the 
Landing, they fled with the greatest Precipitation though at least 5 to 
one superior at this time Gen/1 Vernon hove in sight but from a mistake 
in orders retreated. Gen/1 Sullivan had not at this time come up, hav- 
ing much further to march. Wayne however w/th his little party ab/t 
500 Rifle kept on the attack from Hill to Hill where they had fortified 
themselves till he had put the whole to flight, he follow'd them while 
Sullivan and some others took possession of Brunswick. They had set 
fire to two small vessells w/th Stores and attempted to Burn a New 

142 



Bridge they had built but in vain. The Best acc/ts We have, make 
their loss from the time they went to Somerset to the end of this En- 
gagement 500 at least — they made the Best of their way to Amboy 
w here they were sti 1 mgly fortified. 1 saw from a 1 lill near our Camp the 
whole of the Engagement. ( >ur Division being order'd to stand their 
ground till further Orders. On Monday 1 went down to lake a View of 
Brunswic, but believe me the Worst Accounts you have heard of then 
rapine and plunder fall infinitely short of the reality, it passes all de 
scription, the greatest part of the Houses within their limits for 4 or 5 
miles around Brunswic, Burnt, or Pull'd down or otherwise tore to 
pieces, not a sign of a Fence to be seen and a universal scene of savage 
Barbarity and Cruelty presented themselves to \ iew and this to those 
who had taken protection from the mighty infamous Howe. 1 have 
had information from undoubted authority that while they Were about 
Somerset they Violated many Women forcibly, two they hung by the 
Heels. One of whom an elderly Woman and of good family died ime- 
diately on her being taken down, they cut down many Orchards, de- 
stroy'd all the furniture that came in their Way. Wounded many and 
kill'd some of the inhabitants and on their retreat from Somerset and 
Brunswick Burnt the greatest part of the Houses along the road these 
are incontestible facts, and I sincerely wish those stubborn advocates for 
British Tyranny in our neighborhood cou'd only make it their Business 
to take a small ride and see the Devastation and ruin the deluded inhabi- 
tants of the Jersey have been treated with. The Baggage of the Army 
thai remain'd were all in Waggons and We lay mi our Arms two 
Nights, on Tuesday We were order'd to march to Quibble Town about 
5 miles toward the Enemy, Our Generals went to reconnoitre the 
Enemy hut found they were so very strongly posted that it vvou'd De 
Madness to attack and run the risk of a Defeat, they were posted on a 
Hill near Amboy, the Rariton cover'd their left Wing, their Right ex- 
tended to the sound a Battery of 32 pieces of Heavy Cannon cover'd 
their Front, thus were they station'd and the Might}- Conquerors of 
America amountg. to near 15000, were satisfied to have their partys, 
their Guards and Gentry's insulted hourly by our Rifle men and scouts. 
Our main Body still lay at Quibble town 10 or 1 1 miles from Amboy 
till thursday, lord Sterling with his division and Genl. Maxwell's Bri- 
gade havg. advane'd very near them, they detach'd 7 or 8000 of their 
Army to surprize our troops or to drive them hack and to get forage, 
the attack lasted all day Our people retreated with scarce any loss, ex- 
cept 2 field pieces w/ch were unaccountably left unguarded. Genl. 
Washington had intelligence that the Enemy were pushing for our old 
posts on the Mountain. Our division were order'd imediately to March 
for the Gapps, w/ch We did w/th great speed. We expected every mo- 
ment to meet them hut wlien We arriv'd the Post was safe. We then 



M3 



rested 2 or 3 hours, another alarm then took place that the Enemy were 
near another Gap ah/t 2 miles distant, Our Regiment and another 
were order'd to March with all speed to attack them, but found both 
alarms took place from 2 Columns of our own Army who were ap- 
proaching those places from Lord Sterling's Division. We Were then 
order'd back to the ground We left and lay on our Arms that night and 
next day till 12 o'clock at night when we were again Order'd imediately 
to repair to the same Gap where We lay the remainder of that Night, 
next day and then encampt where I now write ab/t 4 miles to the East 
of our old Post. Last Night intelligence arriv'd here that our people 
were in possession of Amboy the enemy havg. retreated to Staten 
Island and left the Jerseys entirely — Our Division are under orders to 
have 2 days provision cook'd and to be ready to march I expect this 
afternoon We shall set off to Amboy or Elizabeth town. Our Army 
are in excellent order, every day large Body's of troops joining us, I 
cannot ascertain our numbers but think them sufficient for any thing 
We may have to do. An angel from Heaven cou'd not have the confi- 
dence of the Troops equal to Gen/1 Washington. He will not risk any 
thing but on certain appearance of advantage well knowing that annoy- 
ing them by parties, confining them to narrow limits, and taking pos- 
session of inaccessable Posts will as assuredly defeat them as any other 
Method, he therefore prudently refrains from a General Battle, the 
issue of which may be uncertain. The Enemy in every skirmish and 
engagement have shown the greatest marks of fear. 

We have a Rifle Regiment lately embodied, being chosen men from 
the Whole Army their number 500. those Troops within this ten days 
have had no less than 15 different skirmishes and attacks vv/th the 
Enemy, the whole of their loss you may depend upon is but 3 kill'd and 
1 1 wounded, which I mention to show the great goodness of Heaven in 
preserving our Men. Two of our men that were prisoners at New 
York came in here last night they say our People are Bombarding New 
York (if any it must be Gen/1 Putnam who has been at Peeks kill) that 
the inhabitants were packing up their furniture and goods, that a fleet 
was ready to take them and the Army aboard where they intended was 
not known, but thought to be New England, I have very little confi- 
dence in any part of this intelligence. I thank God I have my health 
very well, I have laid out in the open Air 5 or six nights and have found 
no ill effects. Our Regiment in Gen/1 are very healthy and in good 
Spirits, I shou'd be glad to hear from you, Write by none but safe 
hands, you will always find Officers of our State in Philad/a. there are 
4 of our Reg/t now absent, Mr. Griffith is not yet come. Give my most 
unfeigned respects to all Relations and friends, I cannot mention them 



144 



particularly, 1 am oblig'd to write in a hurry, they must excuse me. 
my best Love to my beloved Children. 

1 am my Dearest Polly y r ever affectionate Husband. 

Pers, r Frazer. 

Mr. Ross is desir'd to leave this letter at Mr. Tho s Evan's, near Con- 
cord Meeting Mouse, and to leave the musket there also, he is d< 
also to leave word there what time he may return with his waggon. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township, Ch< er < ounty, to the 
care of Mr. Joseph Vandegrift, at the Cross Keys. Philadelphia. 

1 by 
Mr. Ross. 



(Saturday) 
Morris Town July 5/th 1777. 
My D/r Wife 

My last to . you 1 wrote cm Wednesday last, ami went by 
Ross, a Sutler of our Reg/ 1. 1 gave him direction to leave the letter at 
Mr. Vandegrifts shou'd he be detained any time in Phil a but as he was 
to go through Concord on his way home 1 desir'd he might leave it with 
Tommy Evans if he sho'd not stay in town. The morning alter 1 wrote 
We march'd for this place together with the greatest pan of the Army, 
as it was apprehended the Enemy had an intention to pass up the North 
River. How long We shall continue here depends entirely upon the 
Movements of the British troops shou'd they proceed to the southward 
We can readily march after them, as we are but little further off than at 
the piace We left. Nothing of great consequence has transpir'd since 
m\ last, the plunderers have got upon Staten Island ami owe their 
safety to the Water that divides them from Us — there they cannot re- 
main long as the Island is not sufficient to maintain their Army any 
considerable time, it is horrid to hear the accounts that are hourly 
brought in of the Barbarity and Villainous behaviour of the Enemy, it 
wott'd be endless to relate every particular, your ideas cannot paint 
their conduct in Suitable colours We have heard that Ticonderoga is 
likely to be attack'd. 1 hope they will be able to defend that place 
properly. I have not yet got my Horse, but believe I have heard where 
he is. I wou'd not have you send the stallion as they are very trouble 
some among such a number of Horses as are in the Army. I wou'd be 
glad you wou'd send me some inkpowder and some good paper, as 
those articles are very scarce — there is no probability of my seeing you 
soon — I am in pain when I think of the fatigue and trouble you will 

'45 



have in harvest. Cap/t Church will deliver you this, you may have an 
opportunity of Writing when he returns. I must if possible send all my 
Papers Home as We shall if We shou'd march any distance be obliged 
to leave our chests behind. All your acquaintances are well. Give my 
best respects to all my good neighbors, Friends and relations. My 
Blessing attend my D/r Children. 

I remain my D/r Love 

Your affect/te Husband 

Pers/r Frazer 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury, Chester County. 
Fav/d by 
Cap/t Church 



Sunday 
(July 6/th 1777) 
My D/r Percy 

I Wrote to you the 22/d of Last Month Since that I Re- 
ceived yours of the 20/th and I have not heard a word from you Scence 
which make me very unessey as I Expected you wold Sent me the 
Gloryous News of the Enemy being Drove out of the Jerse I have Saw 
it in the papers but it wold Reade much better Coming from you we 
have Some very bad News Sturing among the Torys that Lord Star- 
lings and Gen/1 Maxfeilds Brigades ware Entirely cut off Brother Isaac 
is come Home and much pleased with Carolinna and is going there 
with his family to Set out in two months time to Settle in Hilsborrow 
he will Sell his Land in the Vally and Rent that wheare he Lives I 
would be glad you would come home to Settle with him before he gos I 
think you Cold Get that pease of Land from him now I have Sounded 
M/r Brinton concerning it and find him much for you to hav it and like- 
wise find we hav been very ill Treatted concarning it about the time 
you bought it at Vendew by Some pertended friend Noblit is yet in 
the House and I am not Like to get any body to go in this Sommer 
that I now know of I was Last monday down at Gilsons mill trying to 
get a Horse for you from one Saile he is a very Gay hore abo/t four 
years old Saile was not at home but I Expect him up evry day if we 
Deal I Shall Send him as Soon as possible Jemmie Thomson hase Loust 
the yuse of his Left hand your D/r little Children are all in Good 
Helth and your Relation and freinds are gennerally Healthy Exscept 
my Self I have been very ill with a fever and can not get Cleer of it 
which maks Every thing I hav to do Look like Mountens before me 
Give my respectfull Complement to General Wayne and Cap/tn 

146 



Bethlumy and M, r Harper 1 saw M rs Harper and Last monday and 
her and t he Children ware all well 

I am my 1) r Percy y r ever affectionate wife 
July 6/th 1777 

Mary Worrall Frazer 
Just as I finish this I 
received 3 1 »ur by M/r Ross 
nothing cold give more 
pleasure Except the Sight 
of votir D/'r Self 

M. !■'. 



P favour 

M r Kiiss 



To 
Col. Persifor Frazer 
of the 5/th Penn/a Rcgment 
at Elizabeth Town in new Jersey 



(Wednesday) 
(July 9/th 1777) 
My Dearest Percy 

1 received your Letter by M r Ross without any Date 
this is the Seckond you have Sent with out I am much oblidg to you 
for the particular account you givs of the Enemy proseedings in the 
Jereys it will he of greate yuse to our Frcinds heare 1 Reapt yesterday 
the new Land wheate and part of the Ry with 26 hands Every man try 
which Cold do the best for you the ware both whig and Tory in the feild 
and not the Least Disspute amonge them 1 have not yet got your 
Stockings or Linning redy hut you may Expect them Shortly porhaps 1 
may Send them with the Horse if I Get him please to Let me know 
what you wold hav me do with that matter of Isaacs if you cannot get 
Home in time your Self 1 wrote to you concerning Noblit in my Letter 
of 22/d (hut find you have not yet got it) that Mr Chenny thinks I 
had hetter let him alone till you return Except I put him out the Same 
Way he Came in he broke the dower open the Same night your men 
Left it I Still hav Some Little of the fever the Children and family are 
all well and God almighty Grant that you may hav your Health and he 
preserved to return to me and your Dear little is the Dayly prayers of 
you ever affectionate Wife 

Mary Worrall Frazer 
July 9/th 1777. 
Addressed 



P favour 
Mr Ross 



To 

Col. Persifor Frazer 
of the 5/th Penn/a Rement 
at Elizabeth Town in the 
Jersey 



147 



(Thursday) 
(July io/th 1777) 
My D/r Percy 

I received your Letter by Cap/t Church and have Sent by 
him peper and Ink ponder three y/d of linning and three y/d of dimety 
I have not anything more then wat is in the other Letters to informyou 
of mere then to beg you to Com horn if posseble befor ISaac Gos but 1 
feare that will not be in your power if you Should move to the North 
ward though to have Sent you Som Stockings but find Cap/t Church 
Can not wait for them wrote Concarning the horse let me know Soon if 
I must Send him may God Bless and preserv is the unfained prayers of 
your Ever Loving Wife 

July io/th 1777 Mary Worrall Frazer 

Addressed To 

Col Persifor Frazer 
fav/d by of the 5/th Pens/a Regment 

Cap/t Church at Morris Town Jersey 



(Friday) 
Camp at the Cloves. July 18/th 1777. 
My Dear Polly 

I have received your letter p. Cap/t Church the day be- 
fore yesterday, to hear of your recovery and the health of our Dear 
Children gave me the highest satisfaction. I am very sorry poor 
Jemmy Thomson has met with so great a Misfortune, care and atten- 
tion may yet recover him. I wrote to you on Friday last by a Mr. 
Thomas who lives near Cuckolds Town, the Letter was to be deliver'd 
to Major John Bartholomew and have no doubt you have receiv'd it. 
That morning the Whole Army left Morris Town and arrivd at this 
place on Tuesday. We are now properly an army of observation as the 
Movements of the Enemy will determine our Rout. We have heard 
here that Ticonderoga is evacuated that the Army and the greatest part 
of the Stores were safe at Fort Edward, that Gen/1 Sinclair was attack'd 
on his march near Skeensburg (ab/t 26 miles from Tycon/a) the Enemy 
were obliged to retreat laeving 300 dead and a Cap/t and ab/t 40 Pris- 
oners Some of our Leaders think it a happy event that that place lias 
been left, as the Enemy may be tempted to penetrate into New England 
or York State, and as there is a very good body of men ready to oppose 
them, there is a good probability Burgoyne will not get so easily back, 
or join Gen/1 Howe as he may have imagined; and indeed I think he 
will repent this manoever should he attempt to march into the Country. 
We were informed the other day that ab/t 70 Sail of English Transports 

148 



n Sandy Hook with board from New York by w cli ii 

was thought they intended foi Philadelphia 01 some other place to the 
southward, the ne\ - arriving from i .1 a bt this time made it 

appe; that they might mal the North River to 

join their army, the place we arc now at is a bl 25 miles from the North 
River and 35 from Morris Town, Where it is likel) we shall halt untill 
We have certain Ace ts of their destination. Certain inti 
riv'd here the da) before yesterday thai Major General ' (who 

pri ler) and who h Conn ud at Rhode 

nd, is taken prisoner by stratagem an and 

will I titute for Gen 1 Lee. < Kir Army is in very fine 

health and Spirits ii wou'd surprise you to see the vast n 
diers, Horses, Waggons, Drivers, Cattle and Provisii 1 • .that 
are here ; yel everything goes smi n ithly < in. 1 am highly obliged ti 1 
for the trouble you had in getting me a Horse, but can now make a 
pretty good shift, therefore desire you may not purchase any for me as I 
am still in hopes I shall get my own. I expected the other day to have 
had him, but the one I thought mine had been taken away by an< ■ 

on vv/ch I shall enquire into. It gives me gn 1 to 

yon are so forward with Harvest and feel sincerely for the trouble and 
uneasiness yon must have; but this once my I) r polly and shall relieve 
yon from ev'ry hardship in my Power. Tl nses We are unavoid 

ably put to. every Necessary bearing so exorbitant a price, makes our 
pay far short of what it ought to be and I am determin'd not to hurt my 
I mily by the Service, whilst Robbers, plunderers and Villains in 
Philad/a and other places, are accumulating ii Fortunes in ease 

and safety, [f nothing very material shou'd intervene, shall make inter- 
est to get Home in ab i three weeks, bill this will be very uncertain. 
Mr. Jones our Chaplain will convey this to you he will return shortly. 
by him you can Write. The hurry We have been constantly in this 2 or 
3 Weeks past has occasion'd my neglect in not dating my 2 letter-. If 
I shou'd not get Home at the tirrn hou'd be 1 ound 

over to his g 1 behavior and give Surety's of the peace, or shou'd he 

not find sufficient Bail imprisoned; this cou'd be lone with n 
priety by Mr. Cheyney and the other M tes that were present than 

by any other as they have aire h I een acquainted with the mailer and 
t he commitment of the Old man and h ill still remain in force or 

anew one may be made out. Shou'd be very glad to hear you had 
-old the land near the Ship, you kno \ the inconvenience of having it 
at SO great a distance. T think you ha er have another advertise- 

ment form'd and put in the papers. Am afraid Isaac will not pet t lie 
Value of his tract, Johi ■ ns ] ! pe he will 

meet with everything favourable to his Wishes if hi ermin'd to re- 

move to Carolina. 1 think von had Letter have the New Land stubble 
burnt and sow the best part of it with Wheat, il will be much easier done 

I [9 



and will answer other good purposes. I thank God I enjoy my Health 
as well as ever, though I have endur'd much hardship and fatigue this 2 
or 3 weeks. My Mind cannot be ease absent from my dear family, no 
one enjoy'd more happiness than I have enjoy'd with them, and hope I 
shall not be again so long absent after this Summer. This season I 
hope will put an end to this War, every thing appears promising, and 
with the favours of Providence how happy shall we be in peace and 
tranquility. I believe it is not Inkpowder but Emery you have sent me, 
I will desire Doct/r Jones to bring me some from Philad/a 2 p/r good 
strong Stockg/s to wear under my Boots will be as much as I want 
from you this season. I shall constantly write all the news worth your 
Notice nothing has transpir'd but what I have mention'd, but marching 
and encamping. It was expected We shou'd have gone toward 
Philad/a as we understood that was the enemys purpose. We have had 
acc/t from ab/t New York the inhabitants of which begin to feel the 
friendship of their protectors, in a very sensible manner they are con- 
stantly of late treated with great harshness, this seems to indicate the 
Enemys intention of leaving that place. Amboy is a heap of Ruins, 
where every one had taken the Oaths and protection, the Measles and 
other disorders make their Army very sickly, they have been fam'd for 
cleanliness and but every account and every thing I have seen of them 
contradict that Character, their Tents, (torn) etc., and Quarters ex- 
ceed every thing for Nastiness, there<have been bodies) (?) found buried 
in the cellars at Brunswick, (which it is thought was done) ( ?) w/th a de- 
sign to keep their Mortality a Secret. In (some) (?) places numbers have 
been dug up after the late engagements with them, that they have hall'd 
from the field. Give my most sincere respects to all our Brothers and 
Sisters, to mamy Pierce, Tommy Cheyney, Tommy Taylor, Mr. Brin- 
ton, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Way and every other my Good Friends and 
neighbors, whose kindness and attention to you demand my warmest 
gratitude. I shall conclude my dearest love with my ardent Wishes for 
the prosperity and happiness of you and our dear Children 

Your affectionate Husband 
Pers/r Frazer. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury, Chester County. 

Fav/d by the Rev. 

Doctor Jones. 

Mr. Joseph Vandegrift at the Cross Keys Philad/a is requested to 

forward this as quick as possible, by his 

Friend and Humble Servant 
Pers/r Frazer 



150 



(Wednesday) 
Camp near Howells Ferry July 29/th, 1777. 
My D/r Polly 

I am once more in Penn/a after a very fatiguing March, 
We have March'd _' Divisions consisting of 16 l\g/ts 90 .Miles in four 
days, under several disadvantages. We cross'd the Delaware this 
morning with our Brigade. Orders arriv'd just then for the others to 
stand fast and for us to halt. General Washington w/th the other di- 
visions of the Army are now at Cornells Ferry ab/t 4 or 5 Miles below 
this place ii seems uncertain whether We shall go further to the south- 
ward. 1 am determin'd to see Home before many days. Col/o John- 
ston and Major Robinson are now both absent, 1 shou'd have wrote by 
the Colonel, but from the time he first thought of going 'till he set off 
was not 15 minutes. 1 requested he wou'd write to you w/ch he prom- 
is'd to do. 1 am still in good health tho a good deal fatigu'd 1 was at 
Colonel Mark Thomsons the day before Yesterday and din'd with him, 
he and his Family are well and desir'd to be remember'd to all their 
Friends. 1 have no Xews to inform you off. Give my best respects to 
all Friends, relations and acquaintances. My best Love to my D/r 
Children. 

I am my Dearest your affectionate Husband, 

1'ersifor Frazer. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury Chester County. 

to be left at Mr. Yandegrifts at the Cross Keys, Philadelphia. 
P. Cap/t Oldham. 



Cross Roads Bucks County July 13/th, 1777 
(probably August) (Thursday) 
My D/r Polly 

I arrived here in good health yesterday morning, but 
never endur'd more with the heat. I found everything well, We are 
now 21 miles from Philad/a where 1 expect we shall remain 'till certain 
accounts arrive of the Enemy's Landing in some place. 

I have sent back the mare by Mr. M c( lintuck. a Lieut, of our Reg/t 
She is not well, I think She must have been so before I took her from 
home, as She panted exceedingly, tho' I rode very Slow. It is uncer- 



151 



tain how long we shall stay here, you can write by Mr. M/cClintuck. I 
expect he will call upon you. 

Give my sincere Love to all Friends, relations and neighbors and my 
D/r Children. I am my D/r Polly. 

Y/r most affectionate Husband. 
Persifor Frazer. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township, Chester Countv. 
P. fav. of 
L/t McClintuck. 
Note. 

(The date of this letter is probably an error and should be Any 13 t'l. Sec 
letter dated Aug. 21/st.) 



(Friday) 
(Graeme Park. Aug/t 21/st, 1777.) 
My Dear Polly 

My last I wrote to you from the Cross Roads Bucks 
County, by Mr. M/cClintuck a Lieut/t of our Regiment by whom I 
sent the Mare a day or two after We mov'd to this place w/ch is ab/t 
18 miles from Philad/a. As we understand General Howe and his 
Myrmidons are gone toward South Carolina. We are now under or- 
ders to march tomorrow Morning, I think toward New York, which I 
am not in doubt but We shall enter before 3 weeks, Matters I under- 
stand go on very well to the Northward, a large Body of our Army 
have got between them and Tyconderoga and think there will Lie a 
good Acc/t render'd of them at the Close of the Campaign. 1 have 
receiv'd no letter from you since I left Home. We are in good Spirits. 
I shall not fail to write by every opportunity, (iive my sincere respects 
to all Relations, Friends and acquaintance. By best Love to you and 
my dear Children. I am my D/r Polly ever 

Your affec/te Husband 
Graeme Park Pers/r Frazer. 

Aug/t 21/st 1777 



(Saturday) 
Graeme Park Aug/t 22/nd, Night. 
My Dearest Love 

A soldiers situation is a very uncertain one, last evening We 
had orders to march this Morng. w/ch was countermanded before 
night, this afternoon We have orders to march tomorrow morning for 
Albany. Our news from that Quarter is extraordinary and hope with 
Gods blessing We shall finish Mr. Burgoynes. business in that Quarter 

15^ 



very soon. I cannot as yet inform you what number of this army are 
bound to the North, but apprehend the Virginia Troops will be left be 
hind as We understand Howes fleet have appear'd in ( iliesopeak Bay. 1 
expect to hear from yon soon [ believe your best method will be for the 
future to send by Post. We have many things to do before morng. 
God bless you my Lovely Children all Relations, Friends, etc., 

1 am 1 )earest your 

Affec/te Husband. 
Pers/r Frazer. 

Direct to me L/t Col/o of the 5/th Pen/a Reg t in the Division 
Commanded by General Wayne — - to the Northward. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township, Chester County. 



(Aug/t 29th/ 1777) 
My Dear Percy- 
there is three Waggons Came here this Evening Loded 
with chests and the are to be left here the have brought me now Letter 
from you and 1 understand you hav moved which gives me greater 
Concern as I expected to hav Seen you to morrow but now God only 
knows when or wheare ever 1 shall See you a gane in this world o 
Percy this is a dreadful] Night with me dow wright to me every oper- 
tunity for that is all the Comfort 1 have Left wee are all well as you Left 
us I am my Dear Percy wishing every Blessing that Heaven can be- 
stow upon you 

your Ever affectionate wife 
Mary Worrall Frazer 
Aug/t 29/th 1777. 
I am much Surprise to find that your Chest is not a mong these 

Lieut/t Col/o Persifor Frazer, 5/th Penn/a Reg/t 
P. favour 
Lieut/t Skinner. 



(Friday) 

Camp near Wilmington Sept. 4/th, 1777. 
My D/r Polly — 

I have the oppertunitv by your old Acquaintance Mr. 
Bensted, to inform you that 1 am in very good health. We still remain 
in the position you saw Us. Yesterday a party of the Militia and a few 
of our Regular Troops were engaged with the Enemy a few of our men 
were wounded and one kill'd, they made a push towards Christiana 

153 



Bridge, they thought proper to halt ab/t i 1/2 miles from that place 
and believe they have retreated to their former station. We are under 
orders to hold ourselves in readiness to March on the signal being given 
and think it will not be long before that will take place. Please to send 
p. Mr. Bensted 3 Books you will find in my Chest entitled "Sternes 
Works or Tristram Shandy the Yorick Sermons; also the thread. I 
shall send home before long some of my old fine shirts, you will be so 
good as to have the good ones ready. 

My best respects to every Body my Love to our D/r Children. 

I am my Dearest Polly, 
y/r affect/te Husband. 
Pers/r Frazer. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury. 
p. fav. of 
Cap/t Bensted. 



(Saturday) 

(Sep/t 5/th 1777 
My D/r Percy 

I am glad to find you are in Health for I heard you was 
badly wounded we are all very much frightned at the Enemy Coming 
in so Larg a Body as 20 thousand we are all well as you Left us I have 
Sent the three Books and thred by M/r Bensteid please to give my 
complements to M/r Jones and my other acquaintents I am my Dear 
Percy y/r affect/n wife 

Mary Worrall Frazer. 
Sep/t 5. 1777 

To Lieut/t Col/o Persifor Frazer, 5/th Penn/a Reg ft, Camp near 
Wilmington 
P. favour 
Cap/t Benstid 



There is a dearth of letters from the fifth of September 1777, the date of 
the note of Mary Worrall Frazer to her husband, five days before the 
battle of Brandy wine, until Feb. 177S when the latter wrote as a pris- 
oner from Philadelphia; which is not surprising under the circumstan- 
ces. This gap can be best filled by the account taken down in writing 
by Elizabeth Smith a granddaughter of the subject, from Sarah Frazer 
his eldest daughter, in 1840. 

154 




bo 

B 

o 
o 



3 



H 



a 

o 



The Battle of Brandywine 

September 11, 1777 

Narrative of Sarah Frazer, daughter of Gen. Frazer. 

West Chester Sep/t n/th, 1840. 

The present writer was eight years and eight months old on the day 
of the Brandywine battle. — She with her little brother and sister both 
younger than herself were at school as usual, when firing was heard both 
of musquetry and field pieces. — The teacher went out and listened some 
time and returned saying there is a battle not far off, children you may 
go home. This was about 9 or 10 in the morning. 

As we returned we met our mother on horseback going over towards 
the place of action, knowing that her husband and our father must be 
in the midst of the affray. Pier mother was at that time the wife of 
John Pierce, and lived about half way from our dwelling on Chester 
Creek to Chadd's Ford on the Brandywine. She went there, and 
where else I know not but she was riding about all day — came home 
once, but was off again and did not return till dark. We heard mus- 
ketry with an occasional discharge of heavy artillery through the day, 
but particularly towards evening. There was a continual discharge of 
small arms heard at our house. 

My Father was in the engagement sure enough, and belonging to 
Wayne's brigade, was among those who sustained the attack in the 
early part of the day, but was not of that part which was ordered up to 
Birmingham (Meeting House) afterwards. 

He (my father) with his charge remained on the ground 
till night, he then mounted a wounded soldier on his horse 
and walked by his side to the Seven Stars tavern in Ash- 
town township, where he put the soldier into a wagon go- 
ing to Chester. He then rode home 5 or 6 miles and went to bed. 
At early morning I got up and seeing my fathers Regimental coat all 
stained and daubed with blood I set up the murder shout as I thought 
he must have been killed, — he awoke and as soon as his horse was pre- 
pared, mounted and rode off to the army — he was taken prisoner with 
Major John Harper four days afterwards in Edgmont Township, while 
on a reconnoitering party. 

Thomas Cheyney Esquire, a good staunch whig, but withal a plain, 

'55 



blunt country farmer, when he heard the firing that morning, threw 
his saddle on his lightfoot hackney mare and rode off towards Birming- 
ham without dressing himself at all; had neither coat nor stockings 
on — he knew the country well and rode about the hills until he saw the 
main body of the enemy marching up on the west-side of the river, when 
he rode full speed to where General Washington was stationed and told 
him. He also informed him that they could not cross until they had 
passed the forks in which time Washington could have a party up; two 
hundred he said would be sufficient to stop them in the narrow defile 
they must pass in coming down this side. The General did not seem 
to give credence to the information as his Aides had been out and 
brought no such word, moreover he could not tell whether Cheney was 
friend or foe, as his appearance was the same as the great body of tories 
in the country. The dear old Whig's feelings were wrought up to a 
great pitch, so that he fairly trembled with agitation when he said "if 
Anthony Wayne or Pers. Frazer were here you would know whether to 
believe me or not", and as he thought the people about the General 
seemed to look rather sneeringly at him he clenched his hand and said 
"I have this days work as much at heart as e'er a Blood of you."* 

When Mr. Sam. Rush was preparing his Lecture upon "The Revolu- 
tionary officers of Chester County" he went to see Aunt Sally and she 
gave him what I (Elizabeth Smith) have copied. — 

In relating the circumstances to me, she said in going down in the 
morning she went to the door and saw the coat, an overcoat I think, 
hanging on the paling and her cry was "Oh my Daddy's killed my dear 
Daddy's killed," and turning round saw her father behind her brought 
from his room by her cries. 

My mother, a younger daughter of General Frazer, says that 
the soldier assisted was one of the enemy. Major Frazer or- 
dered his man to lift him from the ground, but when the latter had 
partly raised him (obeying very unwillingly) he let go exclaiming "God 
bless my Soul is it possible — a British soldier wounded in the back!" 

Narrative of Elizabeth Smith. 

On a lovely summer afternoon, August 17. 1822 scarcely a leaf stir- 
ring or a sound heard, except at intervals the note of the blue jay 
from the woods, and the far off low of the cattle, with no living thing in 



*In Irving's "Life of Washington," Chap. XVIII this story is told but the names 
of Wayne and Frazer are not mentioned. 

As stated by John Armstrong in his "Anthony Wayne," the battle of Brandy- 
wine was lost from the entirely unexpected and inexplicable panic and break of the 
right flank of the American line. 

I 3 G 




Frazer house, Thornbury, in 1893— Looking nortl1 froln '"° >' ar ' ls south of the house. 



sight but the chickens upon the bank, where the old Gum tree above the 
spring was silently lengthening its shadow, and dropping down, now 
and then its bright red glossy leaves, from among the shining green; 
with the mingled smells of the damask monthly rose, the shrub, the 
sweet herbs, and the fox grapes, coming from the old fashioned ter- 
raced gardens as I sat upon the kitchen door step of the dear solitary 
sequestered Thornbury home, with ''Grandma beside me just within the 
door, seated in her accustomed arm chair, and we looked over the 
fields, and woods, and hills and meadows, now lying in such serene re- 
pose, but which had been the scene of events so full of painful interest 
to her and her family, and which were also a part of the history of the 
country, in its great revolutionary struggle; she related the following 
incidents which I will give as nearly as I can in her own words. 

"On the day after the battle of Brandywine, two very genteel looking 
men came here proposing to stay all night. Your Grandfather stayed on 
the ground until evening and then joined the American Army near the 
Seven Stars, and after staying there a short time came home. 

"It was late and the strangers had gone to bed. Harvey an Irishman, 
your Grandfather's body servant, in carrying his saddle up stairs, 
struck the stirrups and girths as he stepped and the noise woke the 
strangers, who called out. asking who had come? The servant said, his 
master had come home; they rose immediately, went out, saddled their 
horses, and before any one knew of it were oft. We never learned who 
they were. Your Grandfather thought they must have been some 
dreadful good-for-nothing Tories. The next day, Friday, a party of 
Riflemen came, and as there was the baggage of two regiments in the 
house (there had been a good deal of ammunition and arms which had 
been removed not long before this time) they advised Gol. Frazer to go 
away, for if the British got wind of it, they would come to plunder and 
he would be taken. He however did not apprehend danger; the Rifle- 
men got some refreshment and went away. ( >n Saturday quite early, 
your Grandfather rode over to the Blue Ball tavern on the Chester road 
two or three miles from home, to join a reconnoitering party upon which 
he was ordered, and there met Major Harper and L'ncle Jacob Vernon. 
Major Christy had been with us for some time nursing a sprained leg, 
which rendered him unfit for service. I had four children. Sally and 
Robert and Mary Ann and Persifor these with Polly Follows, a 
woman who lived with me many years from her childhood, black Rachel 
and two black men who' worked on the farm, made up my family. The 
three blacks belonged to us." 

"I had been afraid of the British coming to the house and had sent 
many things of value to neighbor Hemphies. Your Grandfathers 
papers, £200 in paper money, and some silver and other things, I had 

*The General's widow. 

'57 



hid among some vines in the garden and in some bushes in the woods. 
In the morning after Maj. Frazer had gone, as I sat carding and spin- 
ning wool, we heard wagons coming down yonder-hill. It was then 
covered with woods and we could not see on the top of it as we do now. 
I thought that they might be American wagons coming to take away 
the baggage that was here belonging to the Regiments* Major Christy 
watched for them to come out of the woods, and seeing that the drivers 
wore rifle shirts, still thought they were our own people. At length as 
they approached nearer, he discovered that they were British; just in 
time to give the alarm, send one of the black boys to Uncle Jacob 
Vernon's, (Cheyneys now) and escape with the children, Aunt Nancy 
Frazer, and Polly Follows into the woods, where they hid among the 
branches of a large tree that had been felled. The boy was sent for a 
party of Riflemen who had been at the place the night before, but had 
left, unfortunately, early in the morning. I was then in the house 
alone except the black girl who took up two large Cheeses and threw 
them over the fence among some weeds and briers. I sat carding my 
rolls to pieces, when a British officer, tho' not the commander of the 
party, entered and accosted me in broad Scotch with "where are the 
damned rebels"? In those days when I was frightened I always be- 
came angry. Since then I have often thought I did wrong to exas- 
perate them. I did however always, say every thing against them that 
I could. — So I said to him, that I knew of no Rebels. — there was not I 
believed a Scotchman about the place. At this he flew into a great rage 
and used abusive language. — Many of the soldiers were now in the 
house ransacking all the lower part of it. One had gone into the cellar 
and brought up a barrel of salt, both armies at this time were much in 
need of it and it was very scarce and valuable. He thought he had 
brought up all there was, but he missed a bushel that was in a barrel 
hidden under some old beer bottles. What they got the soldiers tied 
up in rags and put in their pockets, and a great deal they gave to their 
horses. — The Commander of the party (which consisted of 200 foot and 
50 horse) now came up. He divided the horse into two Companies. — 
Stationing them at a considerable distance from the house but so as 
completely to surround it. They were in great fear that the Riflemen 
who they had heard were in the neighbourhood should surprise them, 
they had seen Major Christy, as they came up the hill, go into the woods 
and knew the American uniform and the thought that he might be one 
of a party not far off, did not tend to lessen their fears. They had also 
a line of sentinels placed within their line of horses. The alarm that had 
been given by the black boy, had brought a number of my friends and 
neighbours to the spot. When I saw them with my own servants, for 
my other black had joined them, I thought that it was the hardest thing 

♦Brought Aug. 29. 1777. This was Saturday Sept. 13. 1777. 

158 




Frazer house, Tltornbury, in 1893 — Looking south from fifty yards north of its north 

angle. On the extreme right and parallel with the side of Hie house was the garden 

alluded to in Mary Fr.i/ir'- description of the occupation by Hriti-h troops. 



that not one of them in my great difficulty and distress came near to say 
a word to me for I did not then know what prevented them." 

"After these arrangements had been made Capt. De West the com- 
mander (he was Captain of the Guard and ranked equal with a Col.) 
came into the house just as one of the men was going to strike me. — 
They had got at the liquor and were drunk — the officers were obliged 
to drive them off with their swords. However as I said, the Cap/t 
came in and told me that he had understood the house was full of arms 
and ammunition asking me to open the door leading up stairs. He was 
afraid that there was some one concealed on the stairs who would shoot 
him. I told him 1 knew of no ammunition in the house and that I 
would not open the door; if he wished it opened he might open it him- 
self. He then opened the case of the clock hoping to find money; he 
found an old musket with the lock broken off, this lie jammed up into 
the works and broke them to pieces, lie then insisted that I should 
open the stair door and I persisting in refusing to do so, he was obliged 
to open it himself.'" 

"He then told me to show him every thing that belonged to me and 
that it should not be touched, which I did. — Yet he went himself to 
your Grandfather's desk, took his flute and music books, a large French 
Bible with many other French books and a silver handled riding whip of 
mine that had belonged to my Grandfather Taylor, saying that he was 
just wanting a riding whip. I took it out of his hand and told him that 
it was an old family piece, that he could take it from me if he chose, 
that I did not want to part with it — and screwing the handle off I put it 
in my pocket and handed him the whip. He looked very queer but did 
not take it. When he saw the baggage which was packed in chests and 
ammunition boxes, turning to me, he said, you told me there was no 
ammunition, and breaking them open found only the soldiers clothes. 
Now it became a scene of pillage and confusion, — they plundered the 
house — what they could not carry away they destroyed: took the beau- 
tiful swords worn by the officers on parade, carried off the clothes, one 
man put on five shirts. While tearing about up stairs they took a suit 
of plaid worsted curtains I had that belonged to a field bedstead — this 
they threw at poor Rachel saying, "here nigger is a petticoat for you" 
she, poor creature, being frightened partly to death thinking she was 
obliged to put it on, in her efforts to get her head thro' a slit became 
completely entangled to their great amusement. — " 

"They then went to the barn and took 50 bushels of wheat — that was 
threshed, and in bags. This they took away with them, and fed their 
horses with a great deal that was in sheaf. The next spring it came up 
thickly upon the bank in front of the house where they had strewn it for 
horse feed. All our horses were taken away. In order to catch a 
young mare that had not been broke they turned her into the garden. 
She ran in among the vines where I had put my papers, and I was sure 

T59 



they were gone, but the British did not find them and when after their 
departure 1 went to bring them in 1 found them strewn about and many 
yards from the place I had concealed them in. At length after doing all 
the mischief they dared ami taking every thing they could carry, they 
went away, except a few that stayed for, 1 forget what. — The Captain 
as he was going said "1 had orders to take Mr Frazer prisoner and burn 
the house and barn to the ground, but these I give to you". I said "I 
can't. Sir, thank you for what is my own, and if such were your orders 
you would not dare to disobey them." After he went out a soldier came 
down stairs with a very handsome double reined bridle of mine. I told 
him to put it down, the Captain had said they should touch nothing that 
belonged to me, it was made for a lady, and he should not have it; it 
would be of no use to him if he took it — he very peaceably laid it 
down, and going into a bed room took from a dressing table that stood 
under the glass, a dressing box, throwing pincushions, combs, brushes, 
and many other things on the floor. and waswalking away with the box. 
I told him to put it where he found it and if he offered to take it f 
should call the Captain who was not yet out of sight or hearing. — He 
walked straight back, picked up and replaced all he had turned out, and 
went away. I was very sorry to lose two little glass cream buckets with 
ladles, — the most beautiful little things. — I never saw any like them — 
they were brought from England by my Grandfather Taylor.- — One of 
the men took them away. They took a large quantity of liquor that 
was stored away; some belonging to us, and some to Aunt Sally 
Thompson who had sent it over here to be out of Jem's way. After they 
had all gone the family returned from their hiding place in the woods 
very hungry and there was nothing to give them. There was not an 
individual morsel to eat in the house except a piece of meat which had 
been put over the fire to boil for dinner and a few ears of corn that the 
children had put in the pot for themselves, and the cheeses that were 
hid in the garden"." 

"Aunt Patty* told me before Captain De West left the house he told 
Grandma that there were persons employed by his government to offer 
very high terms to some of the American Officers to induce them to 
join the British army where they should receive a commission, the 
pas; would be overlooked, and a reward given beside. — That her hus- 
band was one of the persons designated and that if she would use her in- 
fluence with him, which was doubtless very great, he would probably 
accept the offer; and set forth in strong terms all the advantages and 
happiness which, such a change of position would give to her. She said : 
"You do not knowCol. Frazer or you would not undertake such a thing 
— nor would he listen to me if 1 should propose it. — but if it were pos- 
sible to pursuade him and he should consent to become a traitor to his 



*Mrv Martha Morris, another daughter of Gen. Frazer. 

T()() 



country. 1 should never consent to have anything to do with him 

again." — 

\ few days after the battle of Brandy wine Major Frazer and Map >r 
Harper being on reconnoitering duty a few miles from home went into 
the Blue Ball tavern on the Chester road where they were joined by 
Uncle Jacob Vernon The) had not been long there when .Major Har- 
per looking from the window saw a numl er of horsemen coming up the 
road who from their uniform he supposed were part of a company of 
Virginia Lighl horse. They proved to lu- a considerable body of the 

British, coming up from the Seven Stai : to j ornwallis (who lay en 

camped on the South \ allej Hill) o immanded 1>\ < ien. ( rrant. When 
the mistake was discovered Uncle Jacob \ ernon jumped out of a win- 
dow among some bushes and brambles and. I think, got off. The 
Others in attempting to do so, were tired upon, the house surrounded 
and they captured, their swords and horses taken from them and them- 
selves compelled to proceed with their captors, den. (Irani entered 
into conversation with my Grandfather who was walking near him, and 
at length asked his name — Persifor Frazer — That is a Scotch name- 
said the General (himself a Scotchman) and should not he the name of a 
rebel. "England has called other men rebels he-ides those who resist 
her government in America" was the reply.— "For that answer." said 
Grant, "you shall have your horse," and when it was brought lie re- 
stored his sword also, and they rode along very pleasantly together 
for the remainder of the journey which was short."* 

"This occurred as they were passing the Goshen Quaker meeting 
house The main army of the British lay upon the hack fields of our 
Valley home (The narrator lived in the Chester Valley. Sin- was born in 1800.) 
and Genera! Washington's head quarters were at Malms about 
two mile- below in the Valley, where they were preparing to en- 
counter Cornwallis in the morning. That night a very heavy rain fell 
and finding his ammunition completely wet. in the morning (Ien. Wash- 
ington with his army moved rapidly down the Swedes Ford road in 
order to cross the river before Cornwallis should overtake him. who 
was in hot pursuit. The river was much swollen by the rain of the pre- 
vious night, and was rising fast when our people crossed. They gol 
over safely just as the advance of the British came in sight. — When they 
reached the Ford the River was impassable. — My own family always 
spoke of this as a special interposition of Providence for the rescue of 
our poor drenched pursued people. A battle in their condition would 
have been certain destruction. 1 am told (Ien. Washington looked 
upon his escape in the same light." 

"When Philadelphia was occupied by 'Ien. Howe the American pris 
oners of war were taken to the New fail at the c< >rnei i if I til and Walnut 



*Aboitt -'':: miles. 

161 



Sts. During the winter the jail fever broke out and they were lodged 
in different places in the City- My Grandfather with Major Harper and 
Col. Hannum were taken to the White Swan Tavern in 3d St above 
Market and put on Parole Notwithstanding a Guard was placed over 
them and their chamber and sitting room locked. I think their cham- 
ber windows were barred also. Being released by this violation of mili- 
tary law from any obligation to keep their Parole, on St Patricks day 
the Irish sentinels having drunk pretty freely to the honor of their Saint, 
their vigilance departed with their sobriety, and when it became dark 
the prisoners escaped by climbing over a stone wall at the back of the 
house, and went to Mr. Frazer's a distant relation of my Grandfather 
who lived down Front St., below Pine, and from thence to Mr. Black- 
stone's an old family friend who also lived in Front St below Pine — 
After three days of concealment, during which they were once hidden in 
a deep closet behind shelves of china during a search of the house, Mr 
Blackstone, with great difficulty procured a boat in which they crossed 
the Delaware and were safe in Jersey. There was a demand made by 
Howe that they should be returned, but when the circumstances were 
known the demand was withdrawn." — 

"During the time of her husband's imprisonment my Grandmother 
having obtained a pass from General Washington not unfrequently went 
in to see him. Mrs. Jenkins a good whig, kept a tavern at the sign of the 
Conestoga Wagon in Market St above 4th on the south side; she was a 
friend of my Grandparents and whatever provision could be spared 
from the farm, my Grandmother brought to her; and engaged her to 
supply her husband and his friends with what would add to their com- 
fort, as far as possible. Mrs Gibbons, a neighbor, and sister of Col. 
Hannum, sometimes went with her making the same arrangements with 
Mrs. Jenkins" — 

"The following was told me by Aunt Sally* I give it as nearly as I 
can in her own words. — "My mother was going to the City, and the 
provision was packed upon two horses one of which I was to ride, I was 
not quite 9 years old but a good horsewoman; every thing — flour, eggs, 
chickens, meat, butter, cheese, — was packed in large strong home-made 
tow linnen wallets and saddle bags, and these were thrown across the 
saddle, the ends projecting far on each side of the horse. I rode a large 
black and you may think I looked pretty queer, little girl as I was, 
mounted thus above all this luggage. It was a warm day in the fall, 
and though we left home in Thornbury before noon, and our horses 
were large, and strong, and good travelers, yet with their heavy loads 
and the heat it was nearly dark before we began to descend the hill to 
Darbv. — Here we were met bv an American officer on horse-back — 



*The same from whom the description of the hattle of Brandywine was received. 

162 




Frazer house, Thonibury, in 1893 -Northeast room, tir-t Hour. 



who said he could not suffer us to proceed; accusing your Grandmother 
of taking supplies into the City for the British, at the .same time making 
complimentary remarks upon her beauty (she was at that time the hand- 
somest woman I ever saw). She relinked him for his impertinence, 
which she said was unworthy the uniform he wore, and insisted upon 
his allowing her to pass, and attempted to do so. but he caught her 
bridle rein to prevent her; she cut the horse with the whip and as he 
jumped she loosed her rein and again tried to get away, but finding him 
determined to detain her, produced her pass. Upon reading it, he 
seemed much mortified, asked her pardon, and rode off very fast. We 
never knew who he was. — We soon entered the thick woods, which ex- 
tended several miles on this side the River, and on the East side nearly 
to where the New Jail stood, at the corner of Sixth and Walnut Stints. 
Here we met companies of Hessian Soldiers, under command of their 
officers, sent by the British to cut wood to supply the City with fuel. 
We had not gone far before it became dark. The light of the large 
torches which some of these Hessians carried (they were frightful look- 
ing creature s) and that gleaming from their huts through the stems of 
the trees away nil', made the surrounding darkness seem deeper. 1 
shall never forget the impression the scene made upon me the longest 
day 1 have to live. -My mother did not seem to be afraid, she said the 
British were always glad to see provision going into the City, that if 
any one troubled us we should he protected by the sentinels who were 
stationed along the road. We crossed the River at Greys Ferry on a 
floating bridge, we had not been spoken to till we came here, though I 
thought some of the men we met looked fiercely and wickedly at us. 
The Sentinels at each end of the bridge questioned my mother and then 
we passed peaceably on to our resting place at Mrs. Jenkins' who at 
once set herself about obtaining a permit from Gen. Howe for your 
Grandmother to see her husband in the Prison. This was no easy mat- 
ter, and the delay caused by this difficulty kept us in the City till late on 
the second day after our arrival. It was at length procured through the 
influence of an American lady, an acquaintance of Mrs. Jenkins, who 
was intimate with Gen. Howe, under promise that her name should not 
appear. Your Grandmother never knew who it was that did her this 
kindness. The next morning she was too much worn out to rise early. 
It was some time before the birth of the Patty that died, anxiety on my 
father's account, the uncertainty of her being permitted to see him. the 
fatigue in preparing to leave home, and the ride in the heat and in the 
night had been too much for her. I was up pretty soon and looking out 
of the window saw, far down the street, a large body of British soldiers 
on parade. The sun just rising shone on their arms and uniforms and 
made a brilliant sight. I hated them so. and was so indignant that I 
screamed and stamped and cried with rage." 

"After breakfast Mi s.Jenkins took me to the Prison to see mv Father 

163 



Across the wide hall that ran through the house, almost half way down, 
was a heavy iron grating reaching from the floor to the ceiling; back of 
this was a close screen that reached to within two or three feet of the 
floor. The prisoners walked in the back part of the hall, with front and 
back doors open, for air and exercise. Guards were placed at both doors. 
Several gentlemen were walking backward and forward as we entered 
and I instantly distinguished through the grating, my Fathers feet and 
legs, I cried out jumping up and down "O; 1 see my Daddys' legs! I see 
my Daddys' legs!" till Mrs Jenkins and the people about us thought 1 
had suddenly gone crazy. The screen being removed 1 saw and talked 
with my Father through the grating." 

"From neglect, and bad food, and cold, the sufferings of the Ameri- 
can prisoners in Philadelphia were very severe.- — " 

The hills which descended to the river on the right bank of the 
Schuylkill at Gray.s Ferry and the land from there to the jail building 
were thickly wooded and infested by camp stragglers and outlaws. 
Mrs. Frazer however traversed this region at each visit to Philadelphia 
either with Mrs. Gibbons or with her daughter Sally, a girl of nine years, 
or alone, usually bringing provisions to Mrs. Jenkins who kept a tavern 
at the sign of the Conestoga wagon on MarketSt., above Fourth on the 
north side. This woman was a good patriot and supplied the Continen- 
tal prisoners with delicacies and necessaries for their comfort. 

The following account of the return from a similar journey was given 
by Mary Frazer to Elizabeth Smith and written down by the latter. 

"Your Grandfather (General Frazer) asked me if I could take a paper 
which was addressed to Gen. Washington and signed by the officers 
(and men too I believe) describing their condition; and some of the 
bread that was given them; and have both shown to Gen. Washington, 
who was then with the army at White Marsh. This I undertook to do. 
In the morning after seeing Col. Frazer we mounted and turned our 
horses heads towards home. At the Ferry there were persons whose 
business it was to search all those who left the City by that road, and 
Mrs. Gibbons and I were shown into a room where two women came 
forward to undress us. She gave full employment to them both, declar- 
ing that they should not touch her. I had ripped the quilting of my 
petticoat, putting in the paper between the lining and outside, and had 
sewed pieces of the braid all round inside the hem, and did not feel very 
comfortable at the thought of undergoing a search. Mrs. Gibbons 
kicked and slapped, and fought and scolded, giving them a great deal of 
trouble, and making them believe she had something to fight for tho' 
she had nothing. They took off her shoes and stockings and undressed 
her entirely, greatly provoked that they had their trouble for their pains. 
I was very quiet. When they turned to me they performed their office 
slightly saying this one has nothing to be afraid of or she would not 
take it so quietly, .after examining our saddles we were allowed to go 

164 



on our way. Tho' I had kept my composure 1 was very far from feel- 
ing unconcerned. I tho't of my little children at home without Father 
or Mother if I should he detained,! thought of the business at home with 
no one to attend to it, and what would become of our living', but most 
of all I thought of the poor prisoners if their efforts for relief should he 
discovered and frustrated, not only could there he nothing done to 
lessen their suffering, but the rigor of their confinement would he no 
doubt greatly increased. I took a very long breath when we were 
safely over the River. — 

It was afternoon before I reached home; I had something to eat 
changed my dress had a fresh horse saddled and set out for White 
Marsh. — It was dark and raining when 1 came to the Swedes Ford, 
where I crossed the Schuylkill. There was a large house not far from 
the ford, a tavern or Ferry house, I rode up to it to ask for some one 
to go with me across the River. — The light came from all the windows. 
It seemed to be full of Soldiers drinking, and swearing, and carousing, 
and I was afraid to call, and rode down again to the River, here all was 
dark, and raining, and blowing, the River rushing and rising, and 1 was 
afraid to venture through a Ford I was not used to; After sitting awhile 
on my horse I determined to return to the house. — The Soldiers were 
some of our own, and seeing a man at the door I asked him if he would 
request the commanding officer of the party to come to me. This he 
did and when the Officer came he proved to be a gentleman that I 
knew. He ordered his horse to be saddled and crossed the river with 
me keeping hold of my rein, the current was very strong, the River 
rising and the water above the saddle girth. — 

I saw Gen. Washington at headquarters the next morning Gen. La 
Fayette and some other officers were with him, I gave him the paper 
and the bread, he seemed much moved at the condition of the prisoners 
and after his asking some questions relating to the business, I came 
away. He sent a gentleman with me to see me safely across the River. 

Gen. Washington immediately had communication with Howe re- 
specting the treatment of American prisoners in Philadelphia and their 
condition was improved, tho' it never was what it ought to have been". 



(Notes by Elizabeth Smith) 

"At the time General Lafayette paid his visit to this country and was 
in Philadelphia my Grandmother (Mary Worrall Frazer) was paying a 
visit to Uncle Jonathan Smith opposite Independence Hall. On the 
day the General went to the old State house ( Independence Hall) Uncle 
told Mr. Biddle, one of the committee thai attended him, that he 
thought it would be a great satisfaction to Grandma if she could see 
him. Mr. Biddle mentioned it to Gen. La Fayette and he at once con- 

io; 



sented to call. She told him the only time she had ever seen him be- 
fore, was under the circumstances I have written above. — He remem- 
bered the circumstances distinctly, and seemed gratified to have them 
recalled, this and some other conversation relating to those troublous 
times they had; he speaking French and she English with some one to 
translate. The recollection of this interview afforded her satisfaction 
as long as she lived." — 

"During the dreadful winter when the army lay at Valley Forge, en- 
during extreme suffering and privation, Grandma told me that she has 
ridden day after day through the country, far and near on horseback, 
collecting all she could from friends and neighbours, to help supply the 
wants of the poor soldiers ; and these, with what she could give herself, 
she repeatedly took to the Camp herself. She has traced the steps of a 
foraging party for a long distance by the tracks of the bleeding feet of 
the soldiers in the snow. The blankets and half worn clothing and 
stocking and yarn that she obtained, would be bro't home ; the clothes 
pieced and mended till they were wearable and comfortable; the stock- 
ings footed, and new ones knit ; and these with all that could be spared 
to eat, she would take on her long cold journey. — More than 300 prs. of 
stockings were prepared and sent in this way at different times during 
that winter with a great deal besides. She often sat up all night knit- 
thing and sewing for them." 

"All the cloth and linen that my Grandfather wore during the whole 
time he was in the army was spun at home mostly by her own hands. 
All the clothing of the family was made at home during the war except 
the weaving. — Besides she had the business of the farm and all the busi- 
ness of every kind to see to herself, she would have her horse saddled as 
soon as she could see in the morning in summer, ride all over the farm, 
direct her men, and often rode down the Creek to where Sharpless iron 
works now are, attended to matters there, and was home to breakfast, 
ready to give her time and attention to children and servants and house- 
hold duties."* 

"My Grandfather Robert Smith said on one occasion, when he went to 
Valley Forge with a load of unthreshed wheat; the soldiers snatched it 
from the wagon and rubbing it from the chaff in their hands devoured 
the grain. They were nearly famished. 

"I (Elizabeth Smith) add one or two things in the shape of notes to 
parts of the foregoing." — 

"When I was a little girl — (1 think after Aunt Elizaf was 
married) — the tenants who lived in the house in the meadow 
had a pet Crow. One evening a girl coming from their spring house 
noticed something bright in the birds beak and going to it took from it 



*She rode well until a few years before her death which occurred in her 8fi/th 
year. 

tMrs. Henry Myers, another daughter of Gen. Frazer. 

166 



a gold sleeve button which the next day she brought to Grandma who 
knew it to be one of a pair she had thrown with some other things 
among the vines in the garden, the day the British plundered the house. 
1 suppose it must have been a quarter of a mile from the place where it 
was thrown in the garden to that where the Crow scratched it up in 
the Meadow." 

"In the conversation Grandpa had with Gen. Grant they made them- 
selves out to be cousins. Grant said his mother was a Frazer and 
cousin to our Great Grandfather" (John Frazer XV-5) 

The transmission of this letter to General Washington was an act of 
daring invoking danger and hardship, as may be better ap- 
preciated when the condition of the country is taken into 
consideration, together with the fact that the messenger gave 
birh to a daughter but a few months later. The im- 
portance of the act of carrying to General Washington circum- 
stantial evidence of the maltreatment of the American Officers in cus- 
tody in Philadelphia, and the unwholesome bread which was given them 
to eat, may be gathered from the expressions of regret of General 
Washington in the reply transmitted to Lt. Col. Frazer, at the futility 
of his efforts to induce Gen. Howe to consent to a continuance of the 
General Exchange of prisoners "on just and equal terms". As he 
states, the effect of the letter of Lt. Col. Frazer was to cause him to re- 
new correspondence with General Howe on this subject, with the result 
that the desired renewal of the cartel was accomplished on the succeed- 
ing 2 1 st of April 1778. This consummation was partly, and probably 
largely, due to the brave act of Mary Frazer. 

(See on this subject Mr. Bancroft's letter on the exchange of prison- 
ers during the American war of independence, N.Y. Historical Society,) 
containing a letter from Washington to Gen. Howe Dec. 18. 1775 in 
which he intimates that retaliation will be taken for maltreatment of our 
officers in the hands of the British and adds in a postscript "if an ex- 
change of prisoners taken on each side in this unnatural contest is 
agreeable to Gen. 1 1 owe he will please signify as much to his most 
obedient" etc., etc Gen. Howe's letter to Lord George Germain dated 
Dec. 19. 1775 says "Mr. Washington commanding the rebel army pre- 
suming upon the number and rank of prisoners in his possession has 
threatened retaliation in point of treatment to any prisoners of theirs in 
our power and proposes an exchange, which is a circumstance I shall 
not answer in positive terms nor shall I enter upon such a measure with- 
out the King's order". 

Lord George Germain writes to Gen. Howe Feb. 1. 1776 acquainting 
him with the sending of the prisoners taken aboard the privateer by 
H.M.S Greyhound and advises their exchange for Officers held by the 
Americans. 

167 



July 22. 1776. Congress took into consideration the exchange of 
prisoners and Resolved 1, that the commander-in-chief of each depart- 
ment have authority to exchange prisoners of equal rank, 2. that each 
State hath a right to make any exchange it thinks proper for prisoners 
taken from or by them. 

July 24. 1 77O. Congress further resolved that General Washington 
be empowered to exchange Gov. Skene for Mr. James Lovell. Wash- 
ington wrote to Gen. Howe July 30. 1770, notifying him of the above. 
Gen. Howe wrote to Washington as follows: 

"Wishing sincerely to procure relief to the distresses of all prisoners 
I shall readily consent to the mode of exchange which you are pleased 
to propose. "Officers of equal rank, soldier for soldier, citizen for 
citizen". You must be sensible that deserters cannot be included in this 
arrangement and for the mode of exchange in the naval line I refer you 
to the Admiral". 
(Bancroft's letter N. Y. Hist. Soc.) 

The exchange of prisoners proceeded without interruption until the 
capture of Gen. Chas. Lee at Basking Ridge N. J. on Dec. 13th 1776. 

Gen. Howe claimed that he was a deserter and did not come under 
the agreement. 

Washington who was an intimate personal friend of Lee refused to 
allow this and the exchanges were terminated "until the (British) gov- 
ernment directed Lee to be treated as a prisoner of war" (id.) 

It was during this intermission in the exchange of prisoners, but be- 
fore the recognition of Gen. Lee by the British authorities as a prisoner 
of war that the letter from Lt. Col. Frazer was carried to Gen. Wash- 
ington. 

This letter and the reply to it are appended. 

The results of these renewed efforts of Gen. Washington to secure an 
exchange of prisoners appear in the Boudinot papers, Elias Boudinot 
being the American commissioner who conducted the negotiations. 

From them we learn that "Gen. Lee arrived in Philadelphia March 
25. 1778 His parole was enlarged on April 5. A few days afterwards 
he visited Congress then sitting in York(town) Penna. His exchange 
was arranged while he was there. 

(Penna. Magazine April 1. 1891. p. 30) 

In a foot note on p. t,2 of the same number it is stated that his ex- 
change was effected three days before April 24. 1778. 

The renewal of exchanges followed therefore about five months 
after that of the correspondence on the subject brought about by the 
letter of Lt. Col. Frazer to Gen. Washington, carried under the cir- 
cumstances just related by Mary Frazer. 



168 



September 17. 1777 

Madam I Saw Colonal frazer and Major Harper about Six oClock 
this Evening Colonel frazer Desired me to Let you Know that he was 
well and in high — Spirrets and that he was used Exceeding well and 
treated with a great Deal of Sivillity by all the officers he Desired that 
you would not be unesy for he Exspected to be Released upon Porrole 
when he got to General Hows head quarters I Should have been very 
fond to have brought the Message my Self but for fear of Some ill 
Matured People I am oblidged to Continu with the Arm) — this from 
your f/d — 

Joseph Robins Date Near 
For head quarters in Goshen 

Mary Frazer September 17/th 1777 

Living, in Thornburv 
these With 
Care and Speed 

This note was written on the day after Col. Frazer's capture. 



On consideration I am inclined to believe that Col. Frazer wrote the 
first of the following statements to be carried openly by his wife and 
of course read by the British guard in order to disarm suspicion of 
her carrying other dispatches, while the second, in which the barbari- 
ties were more fully revealed, was concealed with the specimens of 
bread in her petticoat. Washington, though prudently confining his 
reply to the open letter, shows that he is moved more deeply than 
would be likely had he not seen the second. In the letter of Feb. 5, 
1 77S. Col. Frazer warns his wife against coming back because "lying 
Villians have reported you and Mrs. Gibbons took letters from the 
City." This was very likely intended to deceive the enemy. 



Sir 

I wrote to General Wayne from Germantown about 2 Weeks 
ago, mentioning that Major Harper & myself were Prisoners, since 
our capture the Number of Officers taken belonging to the Army 
Navy & Militia has increas'd to near Fifty — Upon our arrival in this 
City a Number of Us were admitt'd on our Parole to continue in this 
City — On Tuesday last orders were given that We should be confin'd 

in the State House under the Main Guard 

His Excellency General Howe by his Aid de Camp Major Belford 
has this day Signified to Us the reason of this proceeding, as also 

169 



Some proposals which materially altect every Captive Officer and 
which We fondly hope, if your Excellency Should think them con- 
sistant will be adopted, or some other mode attempted that may re- 
lease Us from our present irksome Situation — The reasons given for 
our confinement are, that should such a Number of Officers be Set at 
Liberty in this place (as there is none other convenient) it might be 
highly prejudicial to the Kings Interest that a Number of Officers in 
the British Service taken at Staten Island has been coniind in Irons; 
that others taken prior to those have been sent to remote parts of 
the Continent at a great distance from their Connections & some of 
them imprisoned ; Also that Your Excell/y has fail'd in agreing to An 
Exchange of Prisoners on just Principles — 

1 have Liberty to mention that General Howe earnestly desires a 
general Exchange of prisoners may imediately take place on equitable 
terms; Or otherwise that the Officers that are Prisoners of War on 
both sides shou'd be releas'd and have Liberty to go to any place in 
possession of their Friends on their Paroles — I have in as concise a 
manner as I can given your Excell/y the substance of what General 
Howe thought proper to communicate to me this day by Major Bel- 
ford — We would not presume to give our sentiments on those matters, 
fully relying on your Excellency's disposition to do every thing just 
and reasonable in your power for our Relief 

We wou'd beg leave to mention that our situation is render'd more 
disagreable by a want of hard Cash. We think an attention to this 
matter highly necessary to render our Captivity tolerable, especially 
as the Winter is fast approaching 



Fragment of a rough draft of Lt. Col. Frazer's capture and treatment 
written by himself while still a prisoner. 

I was made prisoner on the 16/th of Sept/r by an Advance party of 
the British Troops, that March'd from Ashtown, Major Harper being 
taken with me, that day and the next we were kept under seperate 
guard of the 4/th & 64/th Regem/ts & were treated well, on the third 
day after our Capture upon the March of the Troops from the White 
Horse we were turned over to y/e Provost guard & so continued till they 
arriv'd at Germantown, during the time of this March We were con- 
santly exposd to the insults of the Army twice each day ; in the Morn- 
ing the prisoners Were drawn up near the Road the Troops were to 

March & so remained till they had pass'd & We then fell into the 

Rear; in the Evening We pass'd from the Rear to Head Quarters gen- 
erally near the Front (dur)ing which time every kind of abusive 
Language was made (torn) Use of to Us, by the Soldiers, without the 

170 



least Check from any Officer — I had been frequently told by Officers 
of the first Rank among them that on our arrival at Philad/a We 
should be admitted to our Parole in the City & upon our .Arrival there 
the 30/th of October We were inform'd by the Provost Marshall that 
We were to go to such Quarters as we Chose & remain there 'till fur- 
ther Orders. Our Paroles being previously sign'd at Germantown. 
We remain'd in this maimer 'till the //th ( )cto/r when the Commiss/y 
of Prisoners (one Dement). infod inform'd L's he had orders to take Us 
to the State House where We were to be kept in close confinement, 
the Reason given for this was, that there being so large a Number of 
Prisoners, it was thought might be prejudicial to their interest to have 
Us at Liberty; in This place We remain'd till the 4/U1 Jami. Many of Us were 

here six days without having any provision serv'd to Us — and for 
many Weeks after, < lur allowance did not exceed from 4 to 6 ounces of 
salt Pork & ah t half a pound very ordinary Biscuit p. day — ■ and had it 
not keen for the supplys We had from the Citizens We must all have 
inevitably Perished. We frequently complain'd & remonstrated 

but never in we had-— \y e were told We had the same allowance, 

of their own Troops when on hoard Transports. We were also in- 
form'd that we might Purchase what Necessaries We pleas'd in the City. 
Upon M/r Fergusons being appointed Commiss/y our allowance was 
honestly dealt out for a Considerable time, but by inattention it is now 
far short of what it should be. at the first of our confinement our ac- 
quaintance Were suffered to Visit L's. but that and every other 
enjoyment Satis Priviledge they could think of was by by various Pretexts 
withheld from Us except in some instances when particular Officers 
of more sensibility than the rest had the guard and it was not until they 
began to insult & restrain Us lri,m that any attempted their Escape 

Centries were placed in each of the Rooms, who very often pick'd 
our Pockets & Stole our Cloathes whilst we were asleep Money cv 
Letters that were sent to L's has been witheld & very frequently con- 
siderable sums of Money (torn) — ssing, the Persons who brought our 
Victuals have been (tre)ated with abusive Language & Women with 
indecent behavior often kept in very Cold weather waiting a considera- 
ble time at y/e outward door, which treatment We had just reason to 
think was intended to retard the Citizens from supplying Us. the 
Soldiers very frequently pilferd both Victuals & Cloaths w/ch they 
were intrusted to deliver — 

We were often refused the Liberty of going from one Room to the 
other, the Windows also naild down, though the smoke occasional by 
a stove below stairs in the guard Room & the Badness of the Chimnies. 
has been for many Days together, almost intolerable there were forty 
of Us in the two upper Chambers in the State House which serv'd for 
every purpose of Kitchens & Bed Chambers, when \y e were often in- 
sulted both by Officers and Soldiers, A Negroe that was appointed to 

171 



wait on a Room on being order'd by an u " "" Lieu t Lefevre to sweep 
the Rooms treated him w/th very abusive Language for w, eh the 
Lefevre attempted to strike him the Negroe seiz'd him & on Endeav- 
ouring again to chastize the fellow who had struck him, the Centry 
swore he wou/d run his Bayonet through M/r Lefevre if he did not im- 
mediately desist. On his complaining to a Subaltern of the guard he 
was told the Negroe was as good as any of Us & refus'd any redress, 
application was made to the Captain of the guard to as little purpose. 
About the Latter end of Decem/r We were informed we were to 
Lie remov'd to the New < roal. as we had been told by the Physician that 
attended the prisoners there that a very malignant disorder raged 
among them & as we frequently saw six or eight dead bodies taken out 

to be buried in a day. We thought it our duty to complain 

to Gen/1 Howe of this inhuman Order. We were told in Answer that 

the General intended by our removal to put us in a more 

comfortable situation and that We might be more agreeably accom- 
modated, that he would order the a Physician Generl to exam(ine) the 
state of the Goal & make report to him — We were informed (the) 
Doctors report was that no infectious disorder rag'd there and conse- 
quently We were desir'd to hold ourselves in readiness for our re- 
moval, with promisses that the Rooms allotted to Us should be cleans'd 
in the best manner, and every thing- should be made as agreable to Lis 
as possible which was neglected in almost every instance. Upward of 
180 of the privates were sick when we were sent to this place which to- 
gether with other Causes occassion'd such a hor — 

(The rest of this account is missing) 



It seems likely that this was a rough draft of an account which was secretly car- 
ried from Col. Frazer by his wife to Gen. Washington, while the letter beginning 
"I wrote to Gen. Wayne," &c. was carried openly and was composed accordingly. 
Washington, of course, only alludes to the latter. 



The following is Gen. Washington's reply to the letter of Lt. Col. Frazer. The 
body of the writing is in the hand of his Aide de Camp and Secretary, Lt. Col. Rob- 
ert Hanson Harrison, of Md., the signature only by Washington. 

Head Q/rs 4/th Novemb/r 1777 

Sir 

I have been favor'd with your Letter of the 9/th ult/o and 
was sorry to find, that the situation of our Officers was so disagreable. 
You are well acquainted with the treatment of the prisoners in our 
hands, and therefore can determine without difficulty, how just the 
grounds for your confinement are. 



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Gen. Washington's Letter to Lt. Col Frazer. 

riii body of the letter is in the handwriting of Lt. Col. Robert Hanson Harrison, Aide-de- 

Camp an,l Military Secretary to the Commander in Chief. 

Fifty-eight hundreths, lineal measurement, of the original. 






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Pass in the handwriting of Lonl Stirling. Sixty-three hundreths, lineal measurement, of the original 



In respect to a General exchange of prisoners, it has ever been my 

wish, that it should take place on just and equal terms. My Letters to 
Gen/1 Howe upon t he subject, 1 trust, evince tins to have been the case. 
I have written to him again, and shall be happy, if we can effect SO de- 
si real >le an < Ibject on proper principles. If this cannot he done, 1 have 
proposed, that it should he no impediment to the Exchange of All the 
Officers, as far as circumstances of Rank and number will apply; and, 
if any should then remain, that they may he released on parole. The 
first mode mentioned for the liberation of the ( (fficers, 1 expect, will be 
most agreable to both parties. You may imagine your Letter upon 
this Subject, might have received an earlier Answer. I .assure you, the 
delay has not proceeded from inattention to the distresses of our prison- 
ers, or want of inclination to afford them every possible relief. 

I am Sir 
Your most Obed Servt 
L/t Col/o Frazer G/o Washington 

of 5 th Pennsylv, a. Battalion, Prisoner in Philadelphia — 



Pleas to lett Leu t Col o Frazer have Sum 1 lard Cash and the favor 
Dun him Will be Acknowledg d by your Hubl e Sarv t John Keed 
I )essemb y / 9 th 1777 

XI'.. Dont fail in abligeing JVI r Frazer, all in your Power, and the 
favor shall be Returnd by your old frend & 

Jn/o Keed 



The following pass in the handwriting of Lord Stirling was not that 
which Mary Worrall Frazer showed to the unmannerly Officer on the 
occasion related by Sally Frazer, but was issued about two week- later 

"Permit Mrs. Frazier, Mrs. Harper, and Miss Nancy Frazier to 
pass to Philadelphia and to return. This pass to continue for eight 
days after General Howe's Army returns into the City of Phila- 
delphia. Stirling M. G." 

"December 27, 1777." 



Notes connected with Brandywine battle 

On June 18. 1895 after the ceremonies at Birmingham Meeting 
House attending a visit of the Pennsylvania Sons of the Revolution to 
the Brandywine battle field, including an address which the present 

V3 



writer was invited to deliver, Mr. Alban II. Dil worth introduced himself 
as the son of James Dilworth who was one of Titus Taylor's Company 
in the war of 1812, and one of the command of light horse which re- 
ceived Lafayette on the hitter's fourth visit to the United States in 
1825. 

Mr A. H. Dilworth was very enthusiastic about Gen. Frazer, call- 
ing him the "bravest of the brave'" etc. He said there was a tradition 
that when the British captured Lt Col Frazer after the battle of 
Brandywine they threatened to hang him, and actually did attach a 
rope around his neck and threw one end over the limb of a button wood 
tree. At this juncture Lords Cornwallis and Howe rode by and said 
to the victim "We leave you with our guard". But the men of 
Brandywine assembled and "Clairwood Le Gere" one of Lafayette's 
trumpeters climbed out on the limb and cut him down while the 
Brandywine boys drove the British soldiers back. 

It is extremely improbable that the "Brandywine boys" (i. e. Wash- 
ington's soldiers who must have also been prisoners) drove back the 
British soldiers who were engaged in executing a prisoner. But in- 
dependently of that and of the remark - ascribed to Howe and Corn- 
wallis, none of these circumstances are alluded to in the papers of 
Gen. Frazer or have come down as traditions in the family. There 
would seem to have been also no motive for this excessive cruelty 
toward him. 

Mr. Dilworth's great uncle, Charles Dilwoith, built the hotel of im- 
ported brick at Dilworthtown in 1750. The Dilworths afterwards 
built the Birmingham Meeting House, and one of them filled the first 
grave in the burial ground. 

Shortly afterwards Dr F. Shippen, Maj J. F. Carpenter and the 
present writer drove to Dilworthtown and thence by the headquarters 
of Lafayette and of Washington to Chadd's Ford. 

(These are passed by taking the second road to the right after pass- 
ing through Dilworthtown from the direction of Birmingham Meeting 
House.) 

On the way we met Mr Jester, Sj years old sitting by the side of 
the road. It was he who as a boy heard Lafayette say when being 
taken over the scenes of the battlefield in 1825: 

"I was wounded about fifty feet from the fence in that field". The 
West Chester Historical Society put up a tablet on this authority. 
Mr Jester also reports being at the same time with Lafayette, in the 
room of Mr Gibbons, who was dying, and hearing the dying man say, 
"I hope we shall meet in the world beyond where there is no trouble". 
Mr Jester thinks Lafayette was a deeply religious man. Dr Shippen 
asked Mr. Jester if the latter could understand Lafayette whose Eng- 
lish was said to be very meagre. Mr Jester replied that he had no 
difficulty at all in understanding him. 

'74 



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CHAPTER IV 
The Year 1778 

(Philad/a Febv. 5/th, 1778.) 
My D/r Polly 

I have been at Lodgings in the City now almost 2 
weeks, I have had a pain in my breast w ch you know has been com- 
mon when I wanted exercise, I am something better. Poor Mrs. 
Jenkins is obliged to leave the City this morning. I now lodge at 
Mrs. Rivers's in Arch street. I do not think it would be safe for you 
to come here, as I understand some lying' Villians have reported that 
you and Mrs. Gibbons took letters from the City. 1 wou'd advise you 
to be very cautious in speaking your mind. Scarce a day passes but 
some from our neighborhood are here. Many of the Officers that 
were in Goal have taken the fever, 2 have died 4 or 5 others are not 
expected to recover and many others unwell. Please to send me 2 or 
3 good Shirts Norris Jones's Brother-in-law will be a good Hand he 
will he in y/r neighborhood this Week. It gave me pleasure to hear the 
other day that you and the family were well. 1 hope your health will 
continue and that you will not suffer your Spirits to fail you. My 
situation I doubt not will answer some good end. I got £20 in gold 
from Mrs. Gray, which I drew upon you for, do let no oppertunity 
slip to have my acc/ts settled with the Army, you will find greatest 
part of my ace /t in a Marble Cover'd Book. I am surpris'd they 
should be so neglectfull as not to pay you. Col/o Johnston has got 
my Silver mounted Belt and Bayonet, desire him to send it is I under 
stand he is out of the Army. I wou'd be glad to know how our Regi- 
ment are. who Commands it and what alterations have been made in 
it. My best respects to all friends my Love to the Children. 1 am 
my D/r Polly 

Y/r affect/te Husband. 

Pers/r Frazer 
Phila/da Feb. 5/th 1778 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer. Thornbury, Chester County. 

1 75 



According to the letter of General Washington to Lt. Col. Frazer of 
Nov. 4. 1777 the latter's letter to him was dated Oct. 9 of the same 
year; but the date of its conveyance to the commander-in-chief by Mrs. 
Frazer, who in company with her friend Mrs Gibbons smuggled it 
through the lines sewed up in her petticoat, may have been later. Col. 
Frazer in the above implies that no communication had been carried, 
evidently fearing the letter might fall into the enemy's hands. 

The date of the above letter, in which caution and depression are 
manifest, was the day before Dr. Franklin signed the treaty with 
France in which that Nation recognized the independence of the 
United States and promised the aid which ultimately assured it. 



Lt Col Frazer's escape from 
the British military prison in Philadelphia. 



In the reminiscences of the battle of the Brandywine and subse- 
quent events, related to Elizabeth Smith by Mary Worrall Frazer and 
her daughter Sally Frazer, a brief account has been given of the cir- 
cumstances attending the escape of Lt Col Frazer, Col Hannum and 
Major Harper from their confinement. The commissioner of prison- 
ers, Mr Ferguson, must have known that the parole of an Officer 
which relieved his guards from the necessity of watching him, could 
only be asked for the consideration of a freedom from restraint within 
certain reasonable limits. Yet after obtaining the paroles from a 
number of Officers (among whom by his own carelessness or that of 
his Assistant W/m Serrett, Lt Col Frazer and Major Williams were 
not included) the severity of their captivity was increased instead of 
being diminished. The Officers whose paroles had been thus obtained 
by false pretences repeatedly but vainly protested and demanded 
that their paroles be returned to them. In neglecting either to grant 
or to reply to these demands he tacitly acknowledged the contract be- 
tween himself and the Officers cancelled and of no binding force. 

But when he discovered that they were able to secure their free- 
dom, he sought to excuse the negligence of their guard by bringing 
against them the outrageous and unwarranted charge of violating their 
given promise. 

The form of this charge was an affidavit by Serrett and another by 
Ferguson, made nine days after the escape had been effected. This 
probably only came to the knowledge of Lt Col. Frazer after he had 

176 



been honorably discharged from the Army (Oct. [778). The slate 
ments by Lt Col. Frazer are unsigned but in his handwriting and were 
apparently rough draft copies kept among- his papers; the complete 
statement and affidavit hiving been probably presented to Gen. 
Washington. 

They are so explicit and satisfactory that no comment is needed. 

I the subscriber assistant Commissary of Prisoners do declare upon 
oath, that on or about the 25th of Feby. last. 1 received < )rders from 
Mr. Gordon Surgeon attending the prisoners to take several Officers 
on their parole at Sick Ouarters into confinement, among which num- 
ber was Lt. Col. Frazer and Major Williams whom 1 accordingly in- 
formed, that by the Doctors orders they were ordered into confine- 
ment, hut at the same time told them, that the officers having" now 
the privilege of their parole to remain in the Swan tavern they might 
either go there on giving their parole for that purpose or return into 
confinement that they agreed willingly to go to the Swan on the 
Terms prescribed to the others, that J did in consequence of this fill 
up paroles for Lt. Col. Frazer and Major William- in their presence 
but whether those paroles were signed by one or both of those Offi- 
cers or what afterwards became of those paroles 1 cannot fully recol- 
lect, duty calling me away at that time, but must nevertheless think 
they were signed and left on the table by mistake or through hurry 
and that the aforesaid Lt. Col. Frazer and .Major Williams remained 
in the said Golden Swan three weeks before they Broke their Paroles, 
as did Col. Hannum who broke his Parole at the same time and whose 
parole is present 

Sworn this 26th day of March 1778 Wm Serrett Ass. Corny. 

before me 

Daniel Coxe Mg. Police (copy; 



I the subscriber do declare upon Oath that Lieut. Col. Frazer and 
Major Williams prisoners of War to the Kings Army did remain 
three weeks or thereabouts in a house Call'd the Golden Swan in this 
City with a number of prisoners on Parole That the said Frazer and 
Williams were understood by me to all intents and purposes as upon 
parole, my assistant having assured me that their paroles were duly 
taken, that they were well informed of every circumstance relating 
to the Nature of the parole granted to the other < >fficers in said 
House, which I had fully explained in the presence and hearing of the 
-aid Frazer and Williams neither of whom expres ed any objections 
nor dissatisfaction with the Conditions thereof, though a few others 

177 



did and were consequently depriv'd of the advantage of the parole 
but notwithstanding this the above named Frazer and Williams have 
furtively absented themselves from said house, in breach of those ties 
of Honor ever held sacred by Gentlemen 

Sworn this 26th day of W. Hugh Ferguson 

March 1778. before me 

Danl. Coxe Mg. Police (copy) 



Sirs 

I have just been inform'd that the British Commissioners have 
made a demand that I shall be delivered up, alleging that 1 have 
made my escape from Philada. being on Parole. I will in as concise a 
manner as possible mention the transactions and leave it to you, 
them, and the World to Judge whether I have in the least punctilio 
deviated from the Character of a Gentleman and American Officer. 

I had been in close confinement in the State House and New Goal 
near four Months; for want of my Usual Exercise and the extreme 
badness of the air in the latter place, I was afflicted with an obstruc- 
tion in my Lungs, on my frequent application to the physician who at- 
tended the prisoners, he, (after I had taken Medicine near 2 weeks) 
recommended me to Sick Quarters in the City. I signed my Parole 
for that purpose about the 20th January, and though the parole speci- 
fied my being restricted to the limits of the City I had notwithstand- 
ing private instructions from a Deputy of Mr. Ferguson that I was not 
to leave my lodgings, though moderate exercise was absolutely neces- 
sary for my recovery. 

I remain'd in this situation until the 28th February when I received 
notice from the afores'd deputy that he had orders to put me again 
into confinement, he indulg'd me till 3 o'Clock that afternoon when 
with another Gentlemen in the same circumstances, I went to the 
Golden Swan in third Street, and was received by Mr. Deputy and or- 
dered to our Room up Stairs. Into this House abt io days before a 
Number of Officers had been removed from the New Goal, upon their 
signing their Parole not to leave the House without leave; many fav- 
ours and indulgences being promis'd them by Mr. Ferguson as I was 
informed by them but the restrictions were here much greater than 
they had been either at the State House or Goal. The Moment I 
became acquainted with their situation I determined not to sign a 
parole under such disgracefull circumstances; but fortunately for my- 
self and some others, a parole was not demanded of us. yet it must 
have been intirely through neglect, for every other Officer who was or- 
dered in from their quarters in the City, their Paroles were im- 
mediately demanded. In this situation I remained 17 days and 

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Handwriting of W. Hugli Ferguson, British Commissar) of Prisoners. 
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would have made my escape much sooner bul that I understood an 
Exchange of Prisoners was likely to take place, but when we were in- 
formed by Mr. Ferguson that this illusion had vanished I proposed to 
make use of the first opportunity to escape which I thank God I have 
effected without any kind of dishonour to myself or my Country. The 
parole which 1 signed on being admitted to Lodgings in the City for 
the benefit of my Health is now made use of most basely and ungen- 
erously to stigmatize my character and serve as a pretext to justify 
the Cruel treatment of many worthy Officers now confined in Phila. 
Mr. Ferguson is not ignorant thai he or his deputy has or had two, 
three and four paroles in their possession at one time, for separate 
Officers, who had been admitted for the benefit of their health at 
divers times into the City, and which 1 have frequently heard them 
demand of him and his deputy without effect, when they have after- 
wards been broughl into confinement, and should any of them es- 
cape' from the New Goal he might with as much propriety charge them 
with a breach of Honor as me. The Golden Swan was to every in- 
tent a prison, Centrys were fixed in the front and Rear of the Hou e 
with orders to suffer no person to speak to the prisoners, neither to 
speak with them themselves, they had their Bayonetts fix'd and con- 
stantly loaded their pieces at sun set. Cur nearest connections 
and acquaintances were refused the satisfaction of speaking with 
us. And it was often with much difficulty our Victuals and Cloathin^ 
could be brought to the end of the alley, that led to the Passage to 
our apartment^, and then both examined in the strictest manner for 
fear of intelligence being conveyed. Many of the I Ifficers have been 
treated with the grossest insult by the guard. A stinking stable yard 
to walk in a few at a time, and looking out of the doors and windows 
were all (he Liberty, we were suffer'd to take and the Town Major was 
heard the day 1 left them to reprimand the Sergeant for suffering 
"those bellows" (as he call'd Us) "to have so much Liberty", A few 
day> alter my Confinement in the House, my Wife came to Philada. 
1 wrote to Mr. Ferguson for Liberty to see her, which he informed me 
was not in his power to grant though I had been indulged in a similar 
request by the Officer of the guard when in the New Goal. Mr. Fer- 
guson cannot forgel this, and yet he would insinuate 1 was under 
parole. Neither parole nor any Conditions whatever were demanded 
of me and out of upwards of Sixty there were but three or four of Us 
in that situation, who all happend (<• be ordered into confinement the 
same day. Surely He cannot be serious if he means that 1 was bound 
by a Parole dated about the 20th January. 1 apprehend any Gentle- 
man of Candor either Friend or Foe will be of the opinion that the 
moment I was confin'd it was no longer in the least obligatory. The 
facts here stated are most scrupulously true and. am sorry to add that 

179 



this charge should be made use of among many others equally ground- 
less, to justify at different times the severe treatment of many worthy 
Gentlemen now in confinement in Philada. And I do with pleasure 
mention that during Six Months that I was a prisoner I never knew 
an Officer make a bad use of any indulgence, and I was well acquainted 
with their transactions. 

The parole signed Jan. 20, granted him liberty within the limits of the city, not- 
withstanding which he was confined to the "Sick Quarters'* which thus became a 
prison. 



I Persifor Frazer late Lieutenant Colonel of the fifth Pennsylvania 
Regimt. do declare that being a prisoner in the New Goal when the 
Enemy were in possession of Philada. in company with Colonel John 
Hannum and several other American Officers that abt. the 20th day 
of January 1778 I obtain'd a parole to go to Sick Quarters in the City 
my health being impaired — that I remained in that situation until 
about the last of Feby. followg. that during this time the other Gen- 
tlemen who were in confinement with me obtain'd Liberty as I was in- 
form'd to go to the Swan Tavern in third Street. At the time last 
mention'd myself and Colonel Marbury who lodg'd together and the 
next day Major Williams were ordered into confinement in the afors'd. 
place — that when I convers'd with the Officers who had been there 
before me I understood from them they had been persuaded to sign 
paroles having been promis'd great Libertys which I found had in 
every respect been Violated — As they were as well as myself in every 
respect as much prisoners there as ever we had been before — that no 
paroles were demanded from me nor as I understood from Major 
Williams and Colonel Marbury, That during my confinement at this 
place Mr. Ferguson the British Commiss'y. of Prisoners came into the 
Room where Colonel Hannum and myself and other prisoners were 
when Col. Hannum complained that the privileges promised by Mr. 
Ferguson to him and the other officers at the time of their removal 
to that place had not been comply'd with and mentioned many hard- 
ships we at that time suffered, upon the relating of which Mr. Fergu- 
son seem'd very much surpris'd and said the Guards had misunder- 
stood their orders but that he would explain the matter to them and 
that for the future We should have more Liberty that the Guards were 
only plac'd to prevent us from insult. For a few hours after this con- 
versation we were suffered to speak to some friends who came to 
visit us but the same evening the Sergeant or Corporal of the Guard 
informed some of us that they had received fresh orders not to suffer 
us to speak to any person or that any person should speak to us. 
which was strictly comply's with on their part, who frequently threat- 

180 






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Page 2 



ened to Bayonet any persons who offered to hold any discourse with 
us, two centries wore also placed at the hack part of the House and 
one at the Chamber door upstairs where our quarters were, upon re- 
lieving their guards we were constantly counted over and given in 
charge of the succeeding guard and in the evening we were also 
counted by Mr. Ferguson's deputy and the Sergeant or Corporal of 
the guard. I remained in this situation till the 17th of March when 
1 made my escape and understood afterwards Col. Hannum and Major 
Williams follow'd the same evening. Winn we got clear of Philada. 
we made all possible haste to camp and 1 went to headquarters and 
uiinn a just and particular account given to his Excell'y Genl. Wash- 
ington by 1'"!. Hannum* of the circumstances of his confinement and 
escape, llis Excellency and Lord Stirling and a number of other Gen- 
tlemen of the army then present thought him in every respect jus- 
tifiable. 

Both the above statements are unfinished and unsigned but in Col. Frazer's hand- 
writing. 



See Chapter V, letter of Aug. 15. 1779, from Lt. Col. Williams to Col. 1'razer, men- 
tioning the board of officers of the American Army which sat to determine who were 
justifiable in escaping from the enemy. 

William Williams was Lt. Col. of 2d Pa. line and resinned April 17. 17S0. 



* Col. Hannum's case was presented as a test to Gen. Washington because Hannum 
bad actually signed a parole which Washington and his officers declared under the cir- 
cumstances was deprived of binding force by the non-fulfilment on the part of the 
British army authorities of their promises. Still less founded wa the 1 hargeof violation 
of parole by Col. Frazer and Major William-, who had not given their parole at the 
time alleged. 

l8l 



The Battle of Monmouth. 

Englishtown Monmouth County, June 30/th, '78. 
My D/r Pollye 

I have not had any proper conveyance to write to 
you since we left our old Quarters at the Valley Forge we cross'd 
Skuylkill on friday eveng. the 16/th, and encamp'd about 2 miles from 
the Bridge on Sunday morning We cross'd delaware, the day follow/g 
detachments from the different Reg/ts were drafted to strengthen 
Col/o Morgans Corps who, were sent off to annoy the Enemy on their 
march — other strong detachments of the most active Men were sent 
off for 2 or 3 days successively under Command of Gen/ls Scott, 
Wayne, etc., and General Lee was sent off on Friday last to take the 
Command of the whole of those Troops — The Main Body mov'd on as 
fast as circumstances wou'd permit. On Sunday the 28/th, (a day 
ever to be remember'd by Americans,) We were under Arms early in 
the morning and came to this place about 5 miles — here we rested 
our men a small space of time, we were directed to leave all the Packs 
of the Soldiers in order to expedite our March as the day was ex- 
cessively hot. We went from hence to Freehold (4 miles) Meeting 
house and proceeded ab/t f of a mile further, where we were order'd 
to form in order of Battle. Gen/1 Lee had this morning advanc'd near 
Monmouth Court House, about six thousand of the Chosen Troops 
of the Enemy, consisting of the whole of their Grenadeers, Light In- 
fantry, a Brigade of guards, and some of their best Regim/ts were 
sent to attack him, he retreated to a Bridge. We came up in a very 
critical time and imediately engag'd in small parties from each Bri- 
gade, We soon checked their Column — they then began a very heavy 
Cannonading which they continu'd three Hours chiefly at our Division, 
our Cannon were not behind with them in their exertions — they try'd 
to outstand us but met with very Spirited opposition. They at last 
were oblig'd to give way to our persevering Troops who kept a regu- 
lar constant Fire upon them from every quarter and they left Us Mas- 
ters of the field of Battle, our people advanc'd cautiously, they re- 
treated with great precipitation to Monmouth Court House near 4 
Miles from the Field of Battle, here they Made a show of standing but 
understanding in the Night that our Troons were advancing — they in 
a great hurry decamp'd left 4 officers of theirs wounded and 50 pri- 
vates and push'd off. This has been as fatal an Engagement to them 
as any they have experiene'd in America and I believe will be at- 
tended with as fatal consequences to them they have left the flower 
of their Army both in Officers and Men — 258 have been buried by a 
party sent from our Army for that purpose, a great number were 
buried by themselves that had been kill'd in the fore part of the day 

182 



- — and numbers have been inter'd by the Country people — they took a 
great part of their wounded in waggons those particularly that were 
m the greatest Likelyhood to recover — the others they left to our 
mercy — what their numbers are I cannot learn exactly but this day 
has certainly cost them from every account not less than 1500 kill'd 
wounded prisoners and deserters. Among the Officers kill'd 4 Col- 
onels, one Major a number of Captains and other inferior in rank 
amountg. to upwards of thirty kill'd and ab/t 10 wounded in our hands 
and 4 taken prisoners. Col/o Monkton, Col/o Abercrombie, Col 
Trelawney are among the dead and some others thought to be high 
in rank — all this you may depend upon is strictly true. We have lost 
some worthy officers — one I. 1 Col/o and a Major killed and four 
other officers — a good many wounded but not above 50 privates 
kill'd. I have I thank God escap'd, but two men of our Regiment are 
missing — We were in the front Line though not engag'd except in 
small detatchments. The highest Praise is due to our gallant Gen- 
eral and almost every other person nor can I describe their intrepidity 
in every attack, our little Boys in comparison driving superior num- 
bers of their Gigantic Grenadiers — You may depend upon it as fact that 
those of our men that were engag'd were not equal in number to the 
Enemy — the remainder of our men were form'd in line of Battle ex- 
pecting they would have advane'd — but those small parties done their 
business without Us, looking on with pleasing anxiety — as we saw the 
whole, except the Engagement in the morning by Gen/1 Wayne and 
Scott etc., — We cannot be too thankfull for this important Victory it 
gives the highest spirits to our men whilst it intimidates the Enemy. 
We have suffer'd unaccountable fatigue and hardship laying upon our 
Arms for many nights without tents or any other Covering, provision 
scarce, the weather hot, water very bad and scarce in this sandy Coun- 
try, our duty severe — has worn down many — but the grand prospect 
before is delightfull and dispells every Cloud. 

I cannot describe things to you as 1 would Chuse We are all hurry — 
tomorrow morng. 2 o'clock We march to Brunswick and it is now ten 
at night — the Enemy we here are now embarking on board their ships 
for York or Long Island — We I believe shall cross the North River — 
get me a Coat made of the Blue Cloath if you have got it home, in 
Uniform, and send it to me as soon as you safely can, a Philad/a Tay- 
lor wou'd do best there are many of my size to measure — have it made 
genteel and light for Summer. — I congratulate my Sister Nancy upon 
her marriage and sincerely wish her and her husband every happiness 
— I should be extremely glad if I could get them to the White Horse, if 
they have no better place in view — Write me all the news — Give my 
sincere respects to all Friends my best Love to my dear Children — 
You will believe me to be my dear Polly your affectionate Husband 

Pers/r Frazer. 

[83 



28/th, June 1776 Gen/1 Clinton was defeated at Carolina 

It is said by every body here that their march through the Jersey will 

cost them 3000, men. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury, Chester County, to the care of 
Mrs Jenkins, Philadelphia. 
P. Cap/t Seely. 

The retreat of Gen. Lee alluded to in the beginning of this letter was the his- 
torical occasion of Washington's only recorded profanity. The postscript about 
Clinton's defeat just two years before refers to his bloody repulse on Sullivan's 
Island, S. C, by Col. Moultrie. 



(Greenwich in Connecticut July 23/d, 1778) 
My D/r Wife 

My last to you was from English Town the day after 
the Battle at Monmouth — The account I then gave you of that affair 
was as perfect as cou'd be expected at that time considering the hurry 
attending an Army in our situation. I am since well inform'd that 
the Number of dead of the Enemy was not less then 400, Numbers 
having been found in the woods and where they had buried others 
while they had time — We march'd for Brunswick and arriv'd the 2/nd, 
July where we lay a few days in order to refresh the Army after their 
severe duty. Many Officers and men being left behind on the March 
sick, owing to the excessive heat, bad Water and great fatigue we all 
endur'd — We then took our course for the North River by way of 
Newark and crossd at Kings ferry on the 15/th ins/t ab/t 45 miles 
above New York — We arriv'd at this place by eas'y marches on the 
19/th. General Gates's Army is ab/t 3 miles in front of Us. We ex- 
pect to join tomorrow. A Number of Troops are sent to the North 
River to prevent the Enemys doing any Damage to our Magazines 
and Stores. 

We are very happy here on hearing of the arrival of the French 
Fleet at Sandy hook* — The Gentry in New York think their situation 
alarming — Numbers of deserters come in daily, they all agree that 
Provisions are scarce with them — in the course of a very few days we 
shall surround them in such a manner that they will get no provisions 
from the Country two Brigades of New England Troops March'd 
from Us yesterday morning for Rhode Island So that We shall cut 
out Work for them in that Quarter also — I hope a little time will de- 
termine our troubles if Providence smiles on our endeavours this once 
— the power of Britain is Crush'd for ever — I anticipate the happiness 
I shall then enjoy, when the noisy scenes of War are at an end. if it 
shall please God to spare my Life — I have receiv'd no letter from 



See Appendix Note 11. 

184 



you since I left home should be very much pleascl with a Hue from 
you — Write me all the News — let me know if you got the Negroes 
out of Philad/a Mr. Frazer gave me 42 dollars in Philad/a do settle 
the matter with him — settle also with Mrs. Jenkins* and pay her gen- 
erously for her trouble and kindness — fMrs Rivers, acc/t is also un- 
settled. As you have a power, I wish something could be done with 
Robinson and Noblit — I should have prevented this trouble to you, 
but neglected it — My things have not been sent from Philad/a yet, I 
expect our Paymaster who is now there will bring them; if you have 
not employ'd a Taylor send the cloath and necessary trimmings to me 
as soon as convenient as I can have them made in Camp — Let the 
Buttons be small and good — if the cloath does not please you do not 
send it — as I can do pretty well without it. 

I have in general enjoy'd my health very well, though I have ex- 
perienced much more hardship than ever 1 did for the time — Col/o 
Johnston has been unwell and absent since the Battle of Monmouth 
and we have no Major so that the sole trouble and care of the Regim/t 
has been upon my Hands., our men are very much recruited in health 
the greatest part have join'd us that were left at the Hospitals — this 
is a very healthy Country — everything is in a fair way — I hope to see 
you before two months — I understand the Tories are highly indulg'd 
in Penns/a 

I was never an advocate for Cruel Measures but I wou'd have jus- 
tice done to every one — those Villians who have been constant 
enemies to Us — supply'd the British Troops with Provision and intelli- 
gence and by that means were passively acting the parts of Murderers 
of their Country Men, who had generously turn'd out to oppose those 
Savage Enemies — shall those scundrels be pass'd over unnoticed and be 
suffered to partake with the most Virtuous the benefits and advantages 
of faithfull Citizens — without ever being brought to acc/t for their 
Crimes — is this prudent, is it good policy, is it justice? No by no 
means — it will create a dislike to the Laws and those that are in the 
Execution of them, which may be attended with the worst of conse- 
quences — Cive my best respects to all Friends my Love to my dear 
Children — I am 

Mr D/r Polly 

Your affectionate Husband 
Greenwich in Connecticut Pers/r Frazer. 

July 23. 1778. 

White Plains 

July 26/th, We March'd to this place yesterday, the whole Army 



*Sce page 164. 

fKept a hoarding house "next to Major Gwyn 16th Dragoons." 

185 



are now encamp'd as near together as convenience will permit — Col- 
onel Johnston I expect is in Philad/a by this time, if my things are 
not yet sent he will forward them by some of Waggons that May be 
coming this way — do send my Bayonet and small hanger by the Col- 
onel, his servant will carry them for me — I have no sword to wear — in- 
form Mr. Cheyney that 1 have made what enquiry I can ab/t his son 
but cannot learn what Corps he is in. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer. Thornbury, Chester County, to- be left at Mrs 
Jenkins Market Street, Philad/a 



July 27/th 1778. 
My Dear Percy 

I received yours of the 30/th of June I hav had no 
oppertunity to Right to you Sence and but Little Dissire to Seeck 
one as I hav nothing to right but the Sorrowfull account of the Death 
of your little Patty that died with four Days of the flux was bured this 
Day week and the hired girle Lays very ill with it now not any of the 
rest hase got it yet tho Bobby has been very Like to di with a bad 
fever is now recovered So as to go about the House I hav been Ex- 
ceeding ill my Self with a pain in my Left Eye and a fever that I was 
obliged to keep my room Darkendned all harvest and was but just re- 
covered when Patty was taken ill I hav not yet got your Cloath it will 
not be redy befor next week then I intend to take it to Philad/a in 
order to get it mad up I went to Philad/a with the flower Soon after 
the British Left it and had the misfortune to Loose a Horse with the 
Excessive heat that I bourrowed of william Johnson the horse was 15 
years old a middle Sized and a good Draft horse I Should be glad you 
Cold get a nother to replease him it is out of my power to get a horse 
of any kind in this part of the Counttry M/r Chenney Sends his Com- 
plements and would be very glad to heare from his Son in your next 
Letter our relations are all in good helth Except raame Peirce She 
Sends her Love to you and is very Dessireous to See you before it is 
Long but that is a favour I Little Expect you Dissired me to right you 
all the news there is Scharce any thing going but Tory lise the have 
altered there tune from a prisbetarin to pepist government the are 
Shure amarica is Sold to the french and all the Disserters are gon back 
to joine with Indiens the Look upon it as a grand peece of polycy of 
the English and Such like Stuf there is a great many refuggees has 
delivered them Selves up and many has taken the test Latly plese to 
give my best Complement to the pride of Pens/a General Wayne, and 
all my other acquaintence your Little Sally and Bobby gives there 

186 



Love to you I am my Dear Percy wishing you Every blessing that 
kind Heaven can bestow your Sencirly affectionate wife 

Mary Worrall Frazer. 

To Lieu. Col. Persifor Frazer, of the 5/th Pens/a Regiment in 
Gen/1 Waynes Brigad on the White Plains, 
recommended to the care of M/r Chasson, Philadelphia. 
No mention is made of the receipt of this letter. 



White Plains July 28/th, 1778. 
My D/r Polly 

I wrote you 3 or 4 days ago by one Mr Pierce di- 
rected to the care of Mrs. Jenkins. We have nothing remarkable at 
this time but what 1 wrote you before — It is just now mention'd but 
not to be depended on, that the Enemy are embarking their Troops 
at New York — it is I believe very certain that the French fleet have 
gone to Rhode Island to assist in the reduction of that place — any 
thing you may have to send may be forwarded by Col/o Johnston, 
Mr. Kimmell our Pay Master, L/t McCullough or L/t Griffith of our 
Reg/t who are all ab/t Philad/a or the Country near — I have enclos'd 
a letter to Mrs. Jones respecting a Mare I had got from Gen/1 Greene 
and w/ch was lost just before I come away you will please to send 
for her — you will seal the letter before you send it off — Robinson 
owes 24 £ on the 4/th, April last — I warn'd him out in presence of his 
Brother in law Templeton about that time — 1 long for a letter from 
you give my best respects to all Friends, my best love to my D/r 
Children. 

I remain my Dearest Polly 

Y/r affec/te Husband 

Pers/r Frazer. 
I just learn that there is some truth in the report of the enemy be- 
ing embarking, maybe they take this oppertunity when the French 
fleet is away, but I hope they will fall in with them before they can 
get far. 

For Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury Chester County. 
P. fav/r 
Major Williams. 



My D/r Polly 

I have wrote three or four letters and have not re- 
ceiv'd a line from you — We still remain in the same situation men- 
tion'd in my last — I have just heard that the Enemy lost 4 Frigates at 

187 



Rhode Island w/ch they were obligd to Burn to prevent them falling 
into the hands of the French — upwards of sixty Houses were lately 
burnt in New York — a Powder Ship was struck with lightning and 
blew up there — this day is talk'd of for the grand attack at Rhode 
Island — the Enemy keep Close in their Lines — We have partys down 
every day but without any skirmishing — Our Army are in fine health 
and Spirits Col/o Johnston is expected here when I hope I shall have 
the pleasure of hearing from you — Give my best respects to all Friends 
and acquaintance my Love to my D/r Children I am 

D/r Your Loving Husband. 

Pers/r Frazer. 
To Mrs Mary Frazer Thornbury Chester County 



West Town August y/e i/st 1778 
Aug. 1. 1778. 

Dear Madam this morning according Yours and 
Col. Frazers Request I took an oppertunity with Caleb 
Brinton: and he says he will Enter satisfaction in the 
Margin of the Record, provided you pay him for his 
Trouble and the Cost acruing, but signifyeth. Untill 
that is done he Shall Rest Easy; as the matter don/t 
Lay him Under any disadvantag therefore if you should 
have an' oppertunity to Pay him the Cost he then Can 
have no Excuse, which I should be glad to see per- 
form'd as Life is Uncertain ; and he Pass/d no Rec/t for 
the money Rec/d, if any thing should happen it may be 
attended with Trouble : from your friend and H. S. 

T. Taylor 
To M/rs M, W, Frazer 



The Cost of Entering satisfaction 4 , p 

Addressed To 

M/rs Mary W. Frazer 

These 
pr favor of 
Jacob Vernon 



Aug/t 14/th 1778 

My Dear Percy 

I received yours of 26 and 28 of July and am happy 
to find you hav your helth So well and Every thing is Like to go so 

188 



Well in regeard to our pubblick trouble 1 have written to you the 27/th 
of July recommended to the care of M/r Chasson in philad/a wheare 
in I gave you an account of the flux being in the family not any of us 
hav had it Except Sally and She but two Days it was Stopt by Drink- 
ing plentyfully of old man tea the reson I mention the Cure is it 
possoblely may be of yous to you I have not got the Negros nor can 
I heare any thing of them in philad/a. I hav been informed that 
there was a great number of negros and others Left in Jerse the time 
that the British Left it it is not unlikly but that they may Still be there 
I have got the blew Cloath but do not think fit for any thing but Som- 
mor and it will be so Late before you get it that it will be Shorely 
worth youe while to get it mad up the Collar is Exceeding good you 
mention Col. Johnson taking Care of any thing I had to Send I have 
never Seen nor bard from him Sence I am afraid 1 shall get no way 
to Send what you wrot for Except I can get a oppertunity in philad/a 
I Shall go there a monday or tuseday Josse Vernon will go to the 
Yallv if I can git Nobblet out next week 1 know not what method to 
tak there is a most Dredfull tax Lade 1 think ours is nere 8 pounds 
young men 3 pound and it is to be Double on all that has not taken 
the Test on or befour the 13/th of this month John Peirce Says he 
will tak it you need give your Self no futher Trouble about M/r Chen- 
ney Son he has been at home with in this week it has been a very 
Sickly time this while past and Seems Likely to Continu flux and bad 
fever our relations and friends are in good helth Sally Thomson givss 
her respects to you Little Sally and Bobby and Polly follows givs 
there love to you please to give my Complements to all my ac- 
quainttents 

I am my Dearest Love your affectionate wife 

Mary Worrall Frazer 
I have got the mare from Mrs. Joanses a little poor thing as Ever 
I Saw I Can hardly think it is yours. 

To Lieu/t Col. Persifor Frazer, of the 5/th Pens/a Regiment in 
Gen/1 Waynes Brigad on the White Plaines. 

recommended to the care of Mrs. Chasson at the harp and Crown 
Phil/a 

No mention is made of the receipt of this letter. 



White Plains Aug/t 19/th, 1778. 
My D/r Polly 

My last to you was about a Week ago p. Col/o Mc- 
Cleland who promis'd to be punctual in the delivery of it — I am still 
without the satisfaction of receiving a line from you — I was inform'd 

189 



the other day in a letter from Major Williams that We have lost our 
dear little Babe — this bereavement has no doubt plung'd you into 
much trouble, the strong ties of Nature demand it — but thank God 
We are not without consolation that the sweet little one is now en- 
joying uninterrupted rest with him — Let this Loss urge us my D/r 
Polly to an attentive and strict watchfulness over the Morals of those 
that are mercifully spared to us. Let us endeavour to Vie with each 
other both by example and precept in inculcating into their tender 
minds those necessary instructions which will be the means to render 
them happy here and hereafter — this my D/r Love is our indis- 
pensable duty and a neglect thereof will be a fund of trouble and dis- 
tress to Us — therefore for our own sake as well as theirs, We ought 
not to neglect it. I am certain of your chearfull acquiescence in your 
part if this duty — and sincerely hope I may be enabled to do mine 
conscientiously. Should it please God to continue me with them — 
And the loss or absence of either of Us to them, should be made up, 
by an additional assiduity and circumspection of the other — A deter- 
min'd resolution to put these dutys in practice is only necessary — the 
good effects We may reasonably expect will attend our endeavors, 
will be too pleasing on reflection for Us to drop the pursuit — 

I have been severely afflicted this 8 or 10 days with the Piles. I 
am now lodging about 4 Miles from the Camp and am much better of 
this disagreable complaint — There is no News of any kind stirring 
that I can learn — no advices from Rhode Island — are daily in expec- 
tation to have agreable intelligence from that quarter — The Army is 
very healthy — I fondly hope this Campaign will end our troubles — I 
am weary of a Soldiers Life — Remember me to all Relations and 
Friends — my best Love attend to my D/r Children. I am my D/r 
Polly with fervent wishes for your and their prosperity, 

Your ever affectionate Husband 

Pers/r Frazer. 

In strange hand. 

To 
Lieu/t Col/o Persifor Frazer 

recommended of the 5/th Pens/a Regiment 

in the Care of in Gen/1 Waynes Brigad on 

Major Dick the White plains in the State 

near Marcus of New York 
Hook 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury, Chester County, to be left at 
Mrs. Jenkins's the upper end of Market Street, Philadelphia, 
fav/d by 
L/t North. 

T QO 



Aug/t 22/d 1778 
My Dearest Persifor 

I have received 4 Letters from you and this is 
the 3/d I have wrote to you your Last is with out date and what is 
more alarming you make no mention of your one helth which would 
be the Dearest peace of new to me altho what you wrote is very agree- 
able I beg you may Let me know if you are Sick for it givs me great 
uneasiness your not mentioning of your helth as usual 

I have never heard any thing of the Negros yet I understand there 
was a great number of Negros and others left in Jerse thev time they 
British left if I went to Phil/a Soon after the Enemy Left it with the 
flower and had the misfortune to Loose a Hors by the Excessive heate 
the hors was a middle Sizsd 15 years old and good for the gairs I 
would be Exceeding glad you Cold Send me Such a one as it is not in 
my Power to get one of my Sort in this place william Johnson will 
want him before it is Long mention thes matters in my other Letters 
for as you have not got them it it is Lik you will not get them for if 
Col. Johnston Saw thim it is very Like he would not Carry them or he 
might have Stopt at our house give my Complements to Col. Johnston 
and tell him if I was to go by his Door I would not Stop to ask his 
Lady how she Did this is the Second time he has been in the neigh- 
bourhood and has not Stopt to See me I was Down at Brother Isaac 
Last Monday and met a French gentleman going to Camp Sent a 
Letter by him from Sister Nancy which I make no date but you have 
got by this time I Saw Major Dick he Says there is Scharclv three 
Days passes but what he can Send to Camp he very kindly offerd to 
forrod my Letters and Says if you will order your Letters to be left 
at his house he will take Care to to Send them to Isaac or directly up 
to me I hoop you will get Letters more regilar there is 8 vessels Lays 
at ours Caps Supposed to be part of the Cork fleet Cap/t Fits gos on 
Robbing and biding Defiance he has been in this Neighbourhood Last 
monday and Tuesday, the night befor Last all the Whigs between 
this and Brandyvine ware under arms to Waylay the Rods Expect- 
ing he was towards Hook the mist him his Conduct is much applaud 
by the Torys we heard a very great firing Last Tusday for neer 4 
hours but can not heare wat it ment I met with Something very Ex- 
trauniry in the Penns/a Packet Aug/t i/st, Concarning an aloetree 
it is in N orrises garden I cold hardlv beleve the account had not Mark 
Willcox been to See it and Says it is So I will wright it down Lest you 
hav not Seen the peper (on the morning after the arrival of his 
Plenepotentiary the accomplished Girard bein^ the thirteenth of the 
month an aloe tree the only one in this State Immediately Shot forth 
its Spire which it never dose but once in the Course of its Existence 
and in Some other Climate in not Less then one hundred years it had 
been planted about forty five years in the neighbourhood of this City 

101 



and heretofore Every year had Produced four Leaves but Early this 
Spring it Spread forth thirteen the Spire is remarkable being thirteen 
inches round and having grown thirteen feet in the first thirteen days 
the Scotch talks much of there thistle and the South Brittons of the 
Glostenbury thorn much finer things may be said of the aloe tree of 
America and the fleur delis of France) Josse Vernon is about Lifting 
the two and fifty pound fine it make a great Stur among the Torys 
as the have Scharcly any Congress monny I hav not don anything 
with Nabble and Robbeson yet but intend to go up a monday to See 
what is to be don with them me and they family are all in good helth 
thank god, I Saw Jacob and Sally yesterday the are well givs ther 
Love to you Sally Tomson Little Sally and Bobby and Mary Anne and 
Polly Follows sends thear Love to you and little Percy Sends his Lob 
to Daddy My Dear remember the Last of next mont I am to Expect 
you home I beg you may not Disapoint me for I Can not help Look- 
ing over the medow alreaddy please to Give my best respects to ac- 
quaintance I am my Dearest Love your affectionate Wife. 

Mary Worrall Frazer. 
I hope you will have the plesure of being in new york before the time 
you are to Com home. 

To Lieu/nt Col. Persifor Frazer of the 5/th Pens/a Regiment in 
Gen/1 Wayns Brigad on the White Plains. 
recommended to the care of Major Dick, Marcus hook. 



Aug/t 30/th 1778. 
My Dearest Percy 

I received yours of the 19/th of Aug/t and am 
Exceeding unhappy to find you have not receivd a Letter as this is 
the fourth I have wrote to you but nothing can Exceed my Disstrees 
to find you are So unwell as to be obliged to Leave Camp what is 
theare to hinder you my D/r Percy from Coming home if you are 
abel to traviel onely Six miles a Day in a Carrage I would Set out 
Emediatly to go you but three of our D/r Little Children and mark 
are bad with the Chincoff Little Percy is exceeding bad I may Say 
that this three years past has been all most one Continual Scene of 
Sorrow to mee but I hope for better Days and that god will enable 
me to Discharge that important duty you So kindly mention in your 
D/r Letter of 19/th I went to the Yally Last monday and got 15 
pound of Robhison in part of the Rent he is Determined not to pay 
the remaining part of as he was not wornd out according to your 
agreement with him he Says you agreed to give him Six months notis 
when yon wanted him out and Nobblit has got one abednigo Tones 

192 



and his family the House with him and I find the and John Carlin 

are all of one mind I undersand Carlin or his Sun is about to biing 
the house of Nobblit I think it not Safe to meddle with them till you 
return or Send perticular orders in what maimer I shall proceed Car- 
lin told me him Self that you Cold not have any Claime to that House 
During Baines or his wife Life as he Says he ha- Seen all the wright- 
ings Concarnning it 1 went in Companny with Mrs. Kennedy to Che tei 
who was So kind as to Stay two nights with mee 1 find the Thirteen 
Thousand pound that the Doc/r Left her is not a bribe Suffeciant to 
keep her from thinking of an other Husband and 1 think She would 
except of one a- Low or Lower in rank then a general for I find it 
must he an offieser 1 Saw mrs VVethe ami mrs. Copland and mis- Sally 
Copland the all Send- there Love to you Sister Sally Vernon was De- 
liverd of a fine Son Last Friday who is to be named Persifor She is as 
well as can lie Expected and her family is well Sisters Sally and nancy 
and familys arc well and Send there Love to yon mammy Leirce Con- 
tinnuse much as She was Little Sally and Bobby Sends there Lov to 
you please to give my Complements to all my acquaintants with you 
I am my Dearest Percy with fervent wishes for your helth and pros- 
perity your 

Ever affectionate wife 
Mary Worrall Frazer. 

the infamous Pitch was taken this Day week by a woman in Robing 
Cap/t Mcafee in his fathers house I expect mrs. Chenney will give 
you the perticulars of Pitch and the Transactions of the Court please 
to Let me know if you have Seen Fredrick Taylor Son Sence you 
went out they have never heard any thing of him Sence Fredrick Left 
the povo 

To Lieu/t Col/1 Persifor Frazer of the 5/th Pens/a Regiment in 
Gen/1 Waynes Brigad on the White plains, 
recommended 
to the care of 
Major Dick 
near Marcus 
Hook 

No mention in the correspondence of the receipt oi this letter. 



Thornbury September ye first. 1778 
To Peircifor Frayzer 

Dear Col: A Prospect of Future injoyments 
will sometimes Release ye minds Present Misery. 1 have have a great 
l)c-ire to see you Return and (latter my self that time is not far dis- 
tant, we know very Little more of your Proceedings than if you wear 

193 



in Camp/t in the moon. Dunlap informs us nothing about you his 
Paper 3 sides advertizements and ye 4/th Contain Dispa/es from Con- 
stantinople or some fine addresses to ye Quakers — insignificant stuf. 
and you are not as good as your word you Promised to write to me 
I did so far get the Right side of Polley that she Let me see the ac- 
count of that Glorious Jersey affair a Considerable Number of Capt 
James Troop are Come Trooping home again and begs ye mercy of 
their Country I hope Justice may be mingled with mercy may be ad- 
ministered to them. 

I am now Sir about to Give you an account of a matter that Gives me 
some uneasiness. Last Tuesday was the time for holding our Court 
at Chester. I rejoyce at ye thought that Heaven had so far favor'd 
us, the Enemy who a few weeks ago who wear domaneering in our 
Channel are Reduced to as Great Straits by our Friends the thought 
was Pleasing, but there was Question put by our Presedent 
whether those that had taken ye Test since ye first of June should 
serve on Jury or not ye Bench Nearly Divided on ye Question it was 
at Length agreed to hear ye Lawyers Explain ye Law and there was 
5 of those Gentlemen spoke near 3 hours and Left us as much in ye 
Dark as before they spoke at all. upon which Very warm Diputes arose 
between ye Gentlemen of ye Bench, which at length carried 6 to 5 in 
affirmative upon which ye Grand Jury was Call'd Benj Beetholenew 
wass foreman and wass sworn but their was Eleven Gentlemen who 
had Taken Test before ye first June Last Refused to serve with those 
that had taken it sine upon which ye Court find them £5 Each man 
and the Court Broke up after settleing ye Tavern Licences. I shall 
Leve these matters to your own feelings wheather it was not a very 
Disagreeable Sircumstance at a time when their wass so Pleasing an 
apearance of Order and Government being Restor'd to this Distracted 
place. There wass a num. of men that applyd to me to take ye Test 
before ye time wass Expired and Enjoined me to Keep it a Secret, 
others came afterward and declared ye Came as soon as ye Durst 
Come for fear of ye Enemy, and why those Gentlemen Liveing at a 
Distance should Claim a Prohemenence — over those that wear 
more Exposed to ye Enemy I am at Loss to undstand. Their is men 
of very Respectable Carracters bass taken it sine the first of June 
William Parker Henry Haye Charles Crookshank Charles Humpris 
Isaac Person Richard Baker Henry Halegrat Adam Grubb. Hugh 
Loyd and many others wose Connections will naturally follow. 

I am so Huried with Collecting Substitute fines and matter Re- 
lating to that business that I have scearcely one hour I can call my 
own. My son Dickey is Listed in Capt : Bedkins Troop of horse 



194 



Command Gcnrall Pulaskey and hass been at willmintown and is now 
Gone for Camp. I Conclude with my sincear Prayers for your Well- 
fear and safe Return. 

Thomas Cheney 
N.B. Please to give Respects to ("apt: Bertolemew and Harris and 
Capt. Christy and all other acquaintance. Please to write to me your 
situation and ye Enemys. My wife sends her Love to you and Desires 
you would Give Respects to (.'apt. Cristy. 



Camp White Plains Sep/t 2/nd, 78 
My D/r Polly 

Your letter dated 22/nd, Aug/t came to my hands last 
Evening It gives me the highest satisfaction to hear of your and the 
Childrens health. 1 receiv'd a letter the other day directed in your 
hand Writing, inclosing one from Nancy and Joshua of the i/st, 
Aug/t but not a line from you only a Postscript mention' d you hav- 
ing seen Mrs Wayne at Dillworths, the letter was tore to pieces, so 
that I imagin'd what you had wrote was lost and it had past through 
so many hands I cannot find who brought it to Camp — My last to you 
was P Mr. North of our Regiment. I directed him to leave it with 
Col/o Arch/d Thomson or w/th Mrs. Jenkins — I have been very 
poorly this 3 weeks past but am now pretty well recoverd, though I 
still Lodge out of Camp — 

I mention'd in a former Letter to you that a Mare I had got from 
the Quarter Master Generals had stray'd from me. and that I had 
heard by Doctor Jones that she was at his House. T enclos'd a letter 
to Mrs Jones, desiring she would deliver her to you. As you do not 
mention any thing of this in your Letter am afraid it has not come 
to hand — it will be impossible to procure a florae here for Mr. John- 
ston. I am Sorry he should suffer by the misfortune but must do the 
best We can, either in procuring him another Horse or pay him the 
Value — I hope We shall weather all these misfortunes — I have di- 
rected the Bearer who is an officer in our Regiment to Call upon you 
he can possibly put you in a way to forward some things to me as it is 
at present very uncertain when I can get home — Please to send me 
the Blue Cloath for a Coat with the White and Lining and Trimmings 
— if you could send me 2 yards of white Lining besides for a Light 
Blue piece of Broad Cloath w/ch I have procur'd for a Coat it would 
oblige me, also Mohair and white mettal Buttons and other neces- 
saries for it — There was a pair new Shoes left at Mrs. Jenkins's you 

!95 



may remember I now want them much — I got only a pair Blanketts a 
Coverlid and set of Camp Stools from Mrs. Rivers's by Col/o John- 
ston so that I have left my mattrass, Pillow, Coat, Jacket a pair new 
draws pair Boots, i pair Shoes, pair Spurs and a Vallice to carry my 
Bed in, I should be glad to know what became of them — the Vallice 
Mattrass, spurs, and Shoes were left at Mrs Rivers's by me and Un- 
derstood the other things were to have been sent there — the Value I 
do not mind, but they are very necessary and not to be procured. I 
had forgot to mention that I have got my Sword and Bayonet. The 
News we have is that Two of the French Ships suft'er'd in a late 
Storm in consequence of w/ch the Fleet were obliged to leave Rhode 
Island to convoy those that were disabled to Boston — in Consequence 
of this, Gen/1 Sullivan had orders to leave the Island for fear a Rein- 
forcement might arrive w/th the British fleet and cut off their retreat, 
Gen/1 Sullivan the 28/th, at night, made a disposition for this pur- 
pose ordered 2 Regiments to Cover the retreat, the Enemy hearing of 
this March'd out to attack them early in the morning those Regim/ts 
were reinforc'd and so were the Enemy's till at last it brought on a 
General Engagement w/ch continued about an Hour Excessive 
severe, the British were at last oblig'd to retreat in great precipita- 
tion and left Us Masters of the Field of Battle, both sides lost a great 
number, We lost a great many brave Officers, the particulars are 
not yet arriv'd but expect they will be in to day — The French Fleet it 
is — believ'd are now return'd to Rhode Island The British have sent a 
large reinforcement from New York — it is expected Sullivan left the 
Island he having particular orders for that purpose — something ex- 
traordinary is expected to take place very soon. I have not time to 
write to any acquaintance, you might excuse me to them. Mr. 
Cheyney can advise you what is best to be done w/th Noblit. I think 
he ought to be committed in consequence of his Judgment as nothing 
could have been done at that time the Enemy coming into the Coun- 
try otherwise a New process against him and his Son, Bernard Van- 
horn can be had to Witness against them and the affair may be set- 
tled in that way. Calonel Hannum can give you his advice as I 
spoke to him about it at Court before I came away — Excuse me in 
having given you this unnecessary trouble I could not well avoid it — 
My best respects to all friends my Love to my D/r Children I am my 
D/r Polly 

Ever Yours 

Pers/r Frazer. 
Mosses Cox 1 , r , . ,,. 

_ . > (In a stranee hand) 

nere the Draw bridge 



196 



I (In 



Sep_/r 9/th 1778 
My D/r Percy 

I have this minute received the agreable account of 
your being in good helth, by Jemmy Thomson who Saw Major 1 lerbut 
at the Sine of the Ship yesterDay he Says he Saw you jest before he 
left Camp this is to go to the Ship to Day the Major is to Call there 
for it I have Sent your hanger and bagonete three weeks ago I Expect 
you have got them 1 have not received any Letter from you Sence 
that of the 19 th of Aug/t it gave the account of your illness from 
that till this f think 1 have been as unhappy as any one Living as the 
Children Still Continue bad with the Hooping chouf I shall Expect 
you home in three weeks from this pray write every oppertunity our 
Relations and friends are in helth Little Sally and Bobby and Polly 
fallows Sends ther Love to you 1 am my Dearest Percy with fervent 
wishes for your helth prosperity and Saife return to nice and your 
Deare Little Children your Loving and affectionate wife 

Mary Worrall Frazer 
this is the 5/th Letter 
1 have Sent 

Addressed To 

Lieu/t Col/1 Persifor Frazer 
p/r fav of the 5/th Pens/a Regiment 

of Major in Cen, 1 Waynes Brigad 

I lerbut on the White Plains in 

the State of New York. 



My Dear Percy 



Sep/r 16/th 1778 



You mention in your Letter p. L/t Forbes of the 
uncertinty of your coming home it givs me a great Dail of concarn 
for I quite Expected you the Latter end of this month from what you 
wrote me in your Second Letter 1 Spoke to m/r Chenney about Nob- 
lets afaire he Seems reathir to Let it be till you return 1 hav not yet 
Seen Col Hannum but intend to See him as Soon as possable con- 
carning it, your besiness with mr. Brintin is Settled to Satisfaction 
and he and his Lady is to Dine with me before Long the Children 
are all geting better of the Chincoff but your Little Percy I am in 
helth thank god and intend go for Philadel/a to morrow this Day we 
furnish Sowing wheat 1 mention in a former Letter Frederick Taylor 
Son I Suppose you never got the Letter I would be glad you would 
Lett me know if you have Seen him as his parrants has never heard 

197 



from him I Have Sent you 4 yards blue and 4 y/ds white Cloath 17 
Canes of thread 1 pair of Linning Draws 2 flanning west coats 1 y/d 
of Linning 2 y/ds of white Linging it is all that I hav Shall endever 
to get Some in Philad/a Mamme Peirce continues much as She was 
when you Left us She Sends her Love to you I would be glad you Let 
me know what Stocking and other things you will want please to Let 
me know Soon and Send me Some monney if can get a Safe hand to 
Send by if you hav it too Speair if not dont put your Self to any 
trouble your Sisters and brothers and there familys are all well 
Jemme has not paid of the morgage yet I hav kept the money for him 
I am afrad he will do nothing in it till you return I would be glad 
you would write to him concarning it Little Sally and bobby and Polly 
Fallows and Sally Thomson Send ther Love to you please to give my 
Love to my acquaintance at Camp I am my Dearest Percy with fer- 
vent wishes for you helth and saif return to me and your D/r Little 
Childrer 

your Ever affectionate wife 
This is the 7/th letter Mary Worrall Frazer 

I have sent to you 

I have sent i yd buckram 4 Scanes of blue Silk Six dozen white 
medle buttons three Stichs of moheer 

To Lieut. Col Persifor Frazer of the 5th Pensa. Regiment at Camp 
fav/d by Lieut. Forbes 



September 28. 1778. 

Sep/r 28/th 1778. 
My Dearest Percy 

I was in Philadelphia Last Satterday was a week 
and Left the following artickels in the Care of Cap/n Peirson who 
promissed to Send them to you the first opertunity 4 y/ds Blue and 
4 y/ds white Cloath 2 y/ds of white Lining 1 y/d Linning \ y/d 
buckeram 4 Scanes Silk and 16 of thred 2 Sticks white moheire 6 
dozens of white mettle and plaitted Buttons 2 flanning Jacketts 1 
paire Lining draws your Shouse that was Left at M/rs Jinkinses is not 
to be found and M/rs Rivers Says the things that you Left theare was 
Sent to the Swan to the Care of Col. Maybury and ware Sent out by 
Col : Bedford I Shall send you some more white lining and Some 
worme Stockings next week and Shouse as soon as I can get them 
maid, Oct/r 2/d my Dearest Percy this Day Twelve years I little 
thought that ever Such a Dreadfull Separation would fall to our Lot 
O this unhappy war that has made Life almost insupportable to me 

198 



if it was not for the pleaseing thought of Seeing you Some times and 
in that how am I Disopinted the time is past that you gave me to Ex- 
pect you home in, in your Second Letter () the Cruel Spiler of our 
peasable Land that has towrn fathers from their tender Children 
and Sons from there aged parents may the Just Vengents of god over 
take them in this world that was the- beginers of these troubles this 
is my Sinceare prayers, for you know my Lear we are Commanded to 
pray for our Enemy and I am Shure I can not pray for them cincerly 
in any other way when 1 think on the many happy Lays we have 
Spent to gather and are now So Cruelly Sepperatied this Lay has 
brought to my remembrance all your former fond Endearing be- 
heavour to me and your deare little Children my Dearest Percy it is 
imposable for me to describe to yon how heavy time Drags on 

Oct: 4/th I have been very ill this week with a paine in 
my head and fever am now prity well recovered little 
Percy Stil Continues ill with hooping Chof the rest of family 
is well this will go by M/r Blackissten and by him 1 Shall 
Send Blue and white Moheire three paires Stocking white and Lite 
Collered thick for Jacket! and Britches with blue thred white Lin- 
ing, and buttons for the Jackett and Britches S Jemme and Sally 
Thomson and Jacob Vernon and Sally are well and Send thear Love 
to you Nancy and Jesse is going to Delworths Town to Live as there 
is nothing to be don with Noblit til you Come home m/r Cheney 
thinks a rong Stepe in the matter might Cause von a vast daile more 
trouble as I can not be So well acquained with it as yon and am Sure 
Cirlin in will do Every thing he can in Noblit favor 1 mentioned the 
matter in a former Letter and concerning the Land at the Ship Jemme 
has been offerd io pound an aker for his and think we may get that 
for ours please to give my best Complement to all fiends in Camp I 
am my Dearest Percy wishing yon all the Choicest blessing of Heaven 

Your ever Loving and affectionate wife 

Mary W'orrall Frazer 

Little Sally and boby 

Send there Love to yon 

I had forgot them till the 

Letter was foled and the ware 

not pleased 

Endorsed -1 o 

Lieut/t Col. Persifor Frazer 

of the 5/th Penn/a Regiment 
favor/d by in Gen/1 Waynes Brigade 

M/r Blackiston at Camp 

(In Dr. Riley's possession.) 
199 



*(Fredericksburg Octo. 2/nd, 1778.) 
My D/r Polly 

I would have apply'd for Liberty to have got home 
before this, but as I have some accounts to settle w/ch I have nearly 
compleated, thought is best to wait a few days longer for that pur- 
pose rather than to leave them in confusion as I have not settled since 
I left Ticonderoga — And as I propose to resign made my tarrying a 
few days more necessary. I expect in 10 or 12 days to have the 
pleasure of seeing you — The Enemy have been in the Jerseys for some 
days past, they surpris'd ab/t 60 or 70 of our Light Horse there and 
killd and took the greatest part of them — Major Lee has also the 
day before yesterday took 12 and killed 12 of the Enemy's Light 
Dragoons 

We mov'd from the White plains ab/t 2 weeks ago to this place 
w/ch is about 25 miles to the northward. The reason of our moving 
was, that Forag-e got very Scarce and as it was probable the Enemy 
intended either for Boston or the North River We are now that dis- 
tance nigher Boston and within ab/t 20 miles of the North River 
where our chief Fortifications are near Fish Kill. Our Division was 
to have march'd to Jersey yesterday but News arriv'd that the Enemy 
had left it. We are orderd to hold ourselves in readiness to march 
at a moments warning — I cannot leave the Army whilst there is a 
probability of Action — but I am of opinion we shall have little or no 
fighting this Fall — from every thing we can learn they will leave New 
York before winter — I have seen Major Williams he tells me you 
have sent me some Cloathing by Cap/t Lang — he is not yet arriv'd 
being obliged to retire to Morris Town for fear of the Enemy. My 
best respects to all friends my love to my Dear Children. I am my 
D/r polly 

Y/r affectionate Husband 

Pers/r Frazer 
Fredericksburg 

Oct. 2. 1778. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury, Chester County, Pennsylvania 
P/r fav/r 
Lieu/t Wood. 



* Fredericksburg was a precinct of Dutchess Co., now a portion of Putnam County, 
N. Y. (Baker's Washington) 

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CHAPTER V. 
Military Papers and Correspondence. 

March 25. 1776 

At a Regimental Court Martial held at Chester on Monday the 
25/th day of March 1776 on Serjeant Killpatrick Accus'd of Damning 
the Congress & striking one of the Guard 

President Cap/t Frazer 

Lieu/t Johnston Ensign Vernon 

Members 

Lieu/t Bartholomew Ensign Standley 
Cap/t Moore sworn declares that he being inform'd that a person be- 
hav'd a Riotous manner in the Court House went with a guard to Con- 
fine him & found the person to be Serjeant Killpatrick who he heard 
express the Words "Damn the King & Congress" 
John Watt sworn, declares that he was one of the guard when the 
s/d Killpatrick was Confin'd & that the s/d Killpatrick wrung the de- 
ponant by the nose & afterwards struck him. 

Killpatrick Confsses he made Use of the expressions with which he 
is Charg'd & in excuse for his saying so says he was in Liquor & was 
agravated by one Bradley Who s/d he was perjur'd. he also confesses 
he struck the guard & his reason for so doing was that the person he 
struck Made use of abusive language to one Ellis who was at that time 
a Prisoner, the s/d Sergeant Kilpatrick being Unanimously found 
guilty of the Crimes wherewith he is Charg'd by the Members of this 
Court Martial Do adjudge that the s/d Kilpatrick shall be reduc'd to 
the Ranks & kept under the closest Confinement in the guard house 
for two Weeks 



May 21. 1776 

Long Island May 21/st 1776 

A Court martial to be held tomorrow at 10 O'Clock 
Capt/n Frazer President 
Lieut/t Potts 

Lieu/t Johnston Members. 
Lieut/t Bartholomew 
Lieut/t Williamson 
All Witnesses to have notice to attend 

201 



A Sentry to be posted at the lower Ferry to prevent the Soldiers 
from attempting to cross tlie over to York, and likewise to prevent 
them from using strong Drink 

Every Soldier who shall in future attempt appear disguis'd with 
Liquor must be confin'd — & shall be denied trial by their own Offi- 
cers — 

The Col. cannot help expressing the greatest sorrow, to find the 
Vice of Drunkenness so prevalent in the Regiment — It appears as tho' 
the men were bereft of every principle of Christianity, & in short of 
every principle w/h constitutes the Gent/n or Soldier — Their Con- 
duct is observed by other Regiments, & by other Officers, who will, 
unless an Amendment take place undoubtedly punish them with 
Severity 



May 22.. 1776 

Proceedings of a Regimental Court Martial of the fourth Pennsylvania 
Regiment Commanded by Colonel Anthony Wayne held on Long Is- 
land May 22/nd 1776 by order of Francis Johnston Esq/r Lieu/t Col- 
onel 

Cap/t Frazer President 
Lieu/t Potts Lieu/t Bartholomew 

Members 
Lieu/t Johnston Lieu/t Williamson 

John Tanner of Cap/t Frazer's Company a Prisoner charg'd with 
stealing a Shirt the property of Timothy Kelly, being brought before 
the Court, Acknowledges he is guilty of Crime with which he is 
charg'd being in Liquor at the time he committed the Fact & was 
advis'd thereto by (Lawrence Connelly) one of his Companions & that 
he Sold the Shirt to a Shallop Man (for Cyder) 

The Court upon due Consideration do Adjudge the said John Tan- 
ner to receive twenty one Lashes on his bare Back with a Cat O'Nine 
tails well laid on at the Head of the Battallion & that he shall pay to 
the said Timothy Kelly the Sum of Fifteen shillings the Value of the 
Shirt Stolen 

Persifor Frazer Cap/t 
and President 



There is a second record of this court martial identical except as to the words 
above in parenthesis. 

202 



May 27. 1776. 
DrSir 

Have sent you the Letters we spoke to you about yesterday, 
wou'd take it very kind of you to leave those that are directed for the 
County at M r VV/m Grahams Tavern keeper in Market Streel op 
posite the Sign of the Connestoga Waggon the others you will be so 
good as to deliver to those directed, in l'lulad a the Doctors Compli- 
ments & mine wait upon M rs Voung & yourself & wish you a very 
agreable Passage I am Sir 

Y< iur mi is1 I tble Servant 

I 'ersifor Frazer 
Long Island 
27/th May 1776 
For 
Cap/t John Younger 
New York- 



June 14. 1776. 

M r Rohert Gregg Please to pay Cap n Pircefer Frazer the sum of 
four Pound five shilling Pennsylvania Currency and this Order with 
his shall be your Discharge in full from S — 

Your Humble Sv 

John 1 larper 
June y/e 14/th 1776 Axcepted by me Robert Gregg 



June 23. 1776. 

Camp Long Island June 23/rd 1776 

A Court Martial held p/r Order Major Housagger 

Capt/n North President 
Lieu/t Potts Lieu/t M/cClintuck 

Members 
Lieu/t Johnston Ensign Letts 

William Davidson Prisoner brought before the Court fur [nsolence 
Prisoner Pleads not Guilty of Committing any Crime 
The Court by Suffitient Evidence have found him Guilty of Provoking 
Insulting and Coloring* an Officer to the Great Prejudice of Good 

*Collaring(?), or perhaps cholering i. e. angering. 

203 



Order — Therefore have Adjudg/d that he shall Receive Thirty Nine 
Lashes on his bare Back at the head of the Redgment and go Six days 
Runing on Feteigue 

Caleb North Capt/n 
Proceedings of 
A 
Endorsed Regimental Court 

Martial 



No date. Probably Long Island, May 18 to June 29, 1776. 
Capt/n Frazer— 

Order a part of the Guard immediately to Capt/n Vernons 
Barracks to seize upon every Rascal who is drunk or has misbehaved — 
particularly confine (Row the old offender) as he has struck and abused 
Stophal Knare— likewise confine Mullen — ■ 

F: Johnston L/t Col 
A Sentry must be posted this Ev/g at y/e Q/r Master's Store — let 
him be a trusty fellow — 
Cap/n Frazer 



No date. Probably Long Island, May 18 to June 29, 1776. 
To Cap/n Frazer — 

Col : Johnston's Orders. — 
Sir 

You will take care to suffer no Soldier at his peril to destroy 
the fences adjoining our Quarters, particularly, order them to refrain 
from doing any Damage, to the Premisses of the bearer hereof — Let 
the Q/r M/r Serjeant see that a suff/t quantity of Wood be supplied 
the Troops before their present Stock be out.- — 

F: Johnston 
Capt/n Frazer 



Probably in camp at Long Island May 18 to June 29, 1776. 
Capt/n Frazer — 

I shou'd have waited upon you early this Morn/g agree- 
able to promise, but I find myself considerably indisposed, added to 
this, I slept very little last Night, on account of the noise w/h was 

204 



made at my Quarters by the seizure of a Capital Tory (no less than the 
present Lord Mayor of N York) I am to accompany his Lordship 
this Morn/g to his Excellency Gen/1 W/n 

You will please to make out an exact duplicate of the General ab- 
stract for my use — as soon as you arc done you will go over to York 
& meet me at M/rs Aireys 

Your's &c F: Johnston — 

Capt/n Per/r Frazer 



Probably in camp on Long Island between May 18 and June 29. 1776 

May or June 26. 1776 

Col Johnston's Orders — 

A Fatigue party must be form'd out of the several Companies con- 
sisting of Carpenters, in order to lay the floors of the Tents — Send the 
Q/r Mr Serjeant with the above order to N: york for the Tools — Let 
no time be lost in puting the several Tents in good Order — 



Captn Frazer arrived at Albany by boat with his command July 2d. 
See p. 93. 



July 2. 1776. 

Sir 

As soon as you shall have received what arms may be In 
store here, (many of which will doubtless be unfit for service with- 
out some repairs and will be repaired at Tyconderoga) and such other 
necessary's as you may want and that can be procured here for the 
troops under your Command, you will march with all possible dispatch 
and Join me at Crown-point, my secretary will furnish you with a rout 
and give you every needful assistance. 

I am Sir Your Ot. Serv. 

Ph. Schuyler 
M. General 
albany July 2/d 1776 

To L/ Colo : Johnson of Colo : Waynes regiment 

205 



July 21. 1779. 

Proceedings of a Regimental Court Martial of the Fourth Pennsyl- 
vania Regiment. Commanded by Colonel Anthony Wayne at Ticon- 
doroga July 21/st 1776 — 

Cap/t Frazer President 
Lieu/t Potts Ensign Lette 

Members 
Lieu/t M/cClintock Ensign Wallace 

Corporal Biggam of Cap/t Vernons Company conim'd by Major 
Morris of the i/st Pen/a Regiment for insolence & disobedience of 
Orders — upon hearing the Charge & the Prisoners defence do find the 
s/d Bigham guilty of the Crime with which he is Charg'd and do ad- 
judge that the said he shall be reduc'd to the Ranks — 

Samuel M/cGowan of Cap/t Frazers Company confined by Cap/t Til- 
ton for milking a Cow belong/g to Col/o Starks Regiment. Cap/t 
Tilton not being known & not hav/g notice did not attend, the Prison- 
er was therefore remanded. 

John Ross of Cap/t Taylors Company confin'd by Serjeant Ruth for 
accusing said Ruth of Stealing his Pocket Book & ten Shillings the 
said Ross making satisfactory concessions to Serj/t Ruth he f ° r de- 
clin'd the prosecution 



August 5. 1776. 

Albany August 5/th 1776 
M/ Matth/w Mauss 

Sir p/r Doctor Stringer I received yours with a six dollar bill,* and 
now send you those articles I was able to procure for you as you will 
see at foot — the nails are not to be had in town, but should I be able 
to get any I then shall sent them p/r first oppurtunity — inclosed sent 
you the Ball/c of your six Dollar bill 

I am 

Sir your most humb/1 Serv/t 

Henry Will 



*A curious denomination for paper currency but not uncommon then. 

206 



i Tea kettle £ o 

4 Plates 

i Teapott 

I Pair knee Buckles 

I y/d Ribbon 



Cash 

£ 2 8 , , o 
NB : the Ribbon & buckles could not get better 

My Respects to Cap/t Frasier 
M/r Matthew Mauss. 
or Capt/n Frasier 
with i Kettle 



£ o, 


, 17 .. 




10. . 8 




6 — 




1 .. 6 




2 — 


£ i . 


. 17.. 2 




10 — 10 



1 Teapot & 

4 Plates at 



Fort George 



August 8. 1776. 

Major General Gates Ticonderoga Aug/t 8/th 1776 

Sir 

The Court Martial ever desirous of rendering their proceed- 
ings clear and intelligiable, have thought proper to mention to your 
Honour, the principles on which their determination was grounded in 
regard to the Testimony of Major Scott; which if your Honor should 
esteem necessary may be transmitted to Congress. 

From Major Scotts overstrain'd Zeal to serve as Judge Advocate 
during the course of the Trial ; from his own Acknowledgement in the 
Face of the Court, that he had never furnish'd Colonel 1 fazen with any 
Written Orders from General Arnold; from his appearing extremely 
solicitous to give Evidence in the Cause; from his application to the 
Court to cross examine a Witness; And lastly from the purport of the 
Testimony of divers Witnesses, proving that, the ( roods were deliver'd 
to Major Scott & while under his care, conducted in such a disorderly 
manner, that part of them must unavoidably have been damaged or 
lost previous to their arrival at Chamhlee; that Colonel Hazen never 
had the possession of the Goods, And that he could not possibly have 
taken them (granting he had been authoris'd so to do) not having 

207 



sufficient Store Room. — From these — concurring circumstances We 
beg leave to assure your Honour, that We were constrain'd to believe 
Major Scott so far interested in the event of Colonel Hazens trial as to 
render his Testimony inadmissable. We are &c/a 

(Unsigned duplicates (except the concluding words) in the hand- 
writing of Col. Frazer.) 



Philad/a the 18/th Aug/t 1776 
Dear Sir 

your favor of the 31 ultimo is received I thank you for your Inteli- 
gence it may be useful to me and ma y ,)e in some way go to the public 
but am sorry to hear of the Extream distress of my dear Countrymen 
there is no body abhors Peculation more than I do how can people 
attend to such things in this time of distress surely good cannot Come 
of such doings; Pennsylvania Never see such days as now on Account 
of Arrival of so large an Armament at N york the Enemy now — Con- 
sisting of 27000 or as some Accounts say 30.000 men are all Encampt 
on Staten Island our Militia are march'd to a man Out of Chester 
County Except some few that ran of and hid Themselves and so they 
have from all the Counties to the amo/t in the whole of Upwards of 
15000 the Spirit of the Association on this as well as on other oc- 
casions does them much honor and I have good reason to hope at 
this time they will be the salvation of North America 4000 more will 
soon arrive from Maryland and the delaware counties and two Bat- 
talions of Regulars are on their march from Virginia for New york 
and General Lee is also on his way there by order of Congress I hope 
If we can stand it this Campain the spirit of our Enemies will be broke 
and Busieness will then be Easie we have arrivals of powder and Mili- 
tary stores frequently make a good deal and are in no want of that 
article nor of lead our Militia are Stationed at Amboy Woodbridge 
and Elisabeth Town points are in health though some of them that 
went from this City about a Month ago are I am told somewhat un- 
easie to return, Our army at New york at present Not so Numerous 
as I Could wish but Increases every day. General Washington Expects 
an attack every hour is well provided with every thing and I am sure 
our Troops will sell their lives dear or Conquer they have my prayers 
and yours I am sure for their success. 

Your friends and Relations I have reason to believe are well it is a 
very healthy time here as I have known or Else there is no no body 

208 



to be sick the men being mostly gone I had almost forgot to 

mention the arrival of Devil Dunmore and Clinton who are both at N 
york and all their troops; with my best Respects to you and prayers 
for your health I am sir with real Esteem your most 

Obed/t 

To Cap/n Persifor Frazer hunble ser/t 

P S write freely to me John Morton 

no fear of Injury 
to you Subscribe P. F. 

Sketchley's Complement to 

you he marches this day to Jersey 

from this place. 

Aug/t 21/ News has Just now arrived from Martinique that the Gov- 
ernor will receive our Vessels to trade freely Protect That 
trade and receive and suftur us to sell our Prizes there 
that the french are preparing for war which will soon take 
place ag/t the English this may he depended on 

See letter of Capt. Frazer, p. 100, to which this is a reply. 



August 28th, 1776 

August y/e 28/th 1776. 
Dear Sir 

I. Have Thought often of you since your Departure: and Likewise 
( Mien Intended to write to you. But having my mind Draw . d Away 
by Other Buisness ; as our State hath seem/d in a Very fluctuating 
Condition : By the different Oppinions of The People Concerning In- 
dependance;* But it' Took place And Our Bill of Rights is Decleared : 
that Old obsticle Of Riligion is now Put Upon an Equal footing; 
which seems to Ease the minds of the People: But the Association 
Continueth nearly in the Old Dine; as when you left Us, But our Con- 
vention has Provided an Aqualibrum; they fine Every Non associator 
20/. Pr. month & 4/ Pr Pound On their Property; which will be 
Likely to make those that hold' Back; think they are hardly Dealt by: 
But I think the Remedy is suitable to the Descasc ; Now as to Our 
Military affairs at Xew York ; with Gods Blessing we shall be able to; 
send to Britain a Very Good Account of Our firmness and Resolu- 
tion: By that Commissioner so much Talk d of; M/r How and his 
20000 Ruffins; for at this time Of a truth there is 70000 Now at York 



♦We are apt to imagine our ancestors too unanimous for independence — while it 
was yet to be achieved. 

209 



Bold Americans and y/e Jerseys oppesite Staten Island 15 or 16000 
from Our Southern States so we hope to Give them a Suitable Recep- 
tion when Ever they make an attack Upon us — 

Sir; I Receiv/d a Letter from your Q.M. M/r Harper; which Came 
By your Chaplain The Reverand M/r Jones, which Informes of Your 
sutuation; which I think Perelous. Enough But with y/e Blessing 
of Heaven I hope you/11 be Reanforced And be Able to withstand any 
fource, that Northan Ministerial Scoundrel with all his Law artifices 
can Sugest will be able to Bring against you; And Sir; as I have 
nothing more of Moment To write ; But my Best wishes for your 
Safety & welfare; tho; Must think; Your must sufferings Can/t other- 
wise be, but be Great Considering your Situation ; And I Pray God ; 
you may Preserve the Souldiar, and Let Patience in Suffering be your 
Charecterstic ; the Neighbour' is all in Health for Ought I know or 
have Hear/d and Every Other Matter Nearly as When you Left us — 
Sir I Conclude these Lines at your House in company with your 
Spouse ; Who are with God' Blessing in Good Health ; She Shew/d 
several of your Letters; Which makes my Heart Shudder; in feeling 
for your Distresses But Hope in God You/11 lie Preserv/d, as the 
Cause must lie the Cause of Heaven so I think it will Prosper, Your 
Old friend Tho/s Cheyney is along with me at your House: & Desire 
you may Give my Compliments to Col/1 Wayne in Perticular; and 
the other Offecers of my Acquaintance so Conclude With my Best 
Wishes for Your Safety & Return to Your Loving wife & Little Chil- 
dren and Subscribe myself 

Your Real friend. & Hu/ Servent 

Tho/s Taylor 
To Cap/tn Persifor Frazer 
of y/e 4/th Pensy/a Battalian 



September 7th, 1776. 

Dear September the 7/th 1776 

Capt/n 

I have Just Got able to Write to you to Let you Know that 

I am a Citing Better Fast For I have Got able to walk about a Little 
But Very Weak as yet, I have. Bin as Low as Ever any Body Was for 
to Live I do suppose I was Give Over By Doctor Potts I Stayed But 
three or four Days at Fort George I Pushed Down in a Wagon a bout 

II miles Bellow the Fort to one Widow Harrises where I Remain yet 
and Shall (torn) remain Till I Git Stronger if you Remember when I 

210 



was Coming away from Camp that you Told me if I wanted any more 
Money to Write to you and you would Send it to me 1 Shall Stand in 
Crate Need of some Realy for the Man 1 Have with me and my Self 
is Very Expensive 1 intend to Send Charles home as Soon as Ever 1 
Git well a nuf to Do with out him. 

My Love to M/r Bartholem— and M/r Griffith 
From your Very 11 u Servn 

Isaac Seely 
N B Cap/t af you Could Send Five 

or, six pound I would Be obligat 
Do Please to Send it in a (letter) and Give the Letter to the (bearcr(?)) 
of my Letter Lieut Gro(ss who can send) Right Down Direct to W 
Haris 

To 
Captain Persifor Fraser 
Pr for at 

of Ticonderoga 

Lieu/t Gross 



September 7th, 1776. 

general Hospital 

Fort George — Sep/t 7/th 1776 
Worthy Sir, 

Since I wrote my Last I heard you Recev d those articles for which I 
wrote to albany I wrote for a p/r of knee Buckles and Ribbon for my 
Self if you have Rec d them Please to Send them by a Safe hand I am 
in grate Need of them — 

1 Should he under a grate Compliment if you would he Pleas d to 
Settle my accounts at Tycondaroga 1 think I left you my account hut 
for fear I will Send it now — 

Enter'd into the 4 /th P: B: Camman/d by Co 1 Anthony Wayne as 
Surgeons mate under I) r Kenedy the 13 th of april 1770. was in the 
Service 3 months and and 5. Days — 3 . . 4 

5 



16: 



ad 13 2/3 Doll/r per m/o 

to Cash Paifl for the Medicine Chest 
from Philadelphia to Xew yorck 



£ 16. 



15 



Total 



£ 10.. 1 q . . 10 



j 1 i 



£ 


6. 


■ IS- 


. o 




IO . 


i . 


. o 


£ 


16. 


. 16 


o 


£ 


o . 


■ V 


. IO 



May 6/th 1776. by Cash Recev/d 
of Major Hausecker in Phila/d 
July 19/th 1776 by Cash Recev/d of 
L/t Co/1 Johnson at Tycondaroga 

total 
Balance Due 

As for my Rations I thing I Left you my account, — 
The account I Left you mentions. 18 Doll/ per m/o but as D/r 
Kenedy Promis/d more then he Could perform whether he did it 
Ignorantly or Designingly I do not know but this I am Certin of that 
he told Cap/t Lacey and adju/t Ryan the Night before I Left yau 
that If I Left him it would be Some Pounds out of my Pocket, not 
that that I Value the few Pounds, but any man that Dos doo any 
thing Designingly I Look upon to be the greatest Villian on Earth — 
Too long have I Dwelled on this Insignificant Subject or at Least 
the Cause of it is Insignificant, I am Sorrey I Could not Entertain 
you with Some News which would be more agreeable of which I Can 
Let you have non at Present but Expect Some Every hour although 
you have it allmost as Sune as we have — 

M/r Seeley is better no more at Present but Remain Sir with the 
gratest Esteem Your Sincere and most Obedient Serv/t 

Matthew Mans 
P: S: Please to Send back the Letter from M/r Will which I Send 
you — - 

Please to give my Compliments to all Enquiring Friends Yours etc 

To 

Cap/t Frazor 

in the 4/th Pensylvania Battalion 

at 

Tycondaroga 

p favour of 

the Bearer 



September 10th, 1776. 

Dear Sir 

We have no News from New yorck farther then what you must have 
Rec/d but we Expect News Every hour- — 

by the Bearer L/t Gross I Sent you a 11/ Coucumbers Please to ac- 
cept of them 



212 



The account in my Last is Pcnsylvania money — 
M/r Scealey and M/r Lezt are both bether 
I am Sir in grate haste 

Your Sincer and affectionate 
Ilumb/le Serv/t 

General Hospital Fort George Sep/t io/th 1776 

To 
Cap/t Frazor. 4/th P. B; 
at Tvcondaroga 
F— A— G 
P favor of L/t Gross 



Matthew Maus 



(No date.) 
Sir 

Maj/r Stuart, has this moment rcceiv'd your Note relating to 
the prisoners Keyes ecc — but is too unwell to answer it — 

I can see no other method, than for the the Court to proceed to the 
tryall of some other person, & to have it in Order that the persons to 

whom the money was pass'd, attend the Court tomorrow morning 

I am Sir 

Your Very Obed/t 

J Trumbull 
Wednes morn/g D. A. G. 

John Trumbull of Conn, was Adj. 2d Conn. May 25; A. D. C. to Gen. Washing- 
ton July 27; and Brigade Maj. to Gen. Spencer Aug. 15, 1775; Deputy Adj. Gen. of 
Northern Dept. Sept. 12. 1776 till his resignation Apl. 19. 1777. 

Major Christopher Stuart was a Capt. 5th Penna. Battalion Jan. 5. 1776. pro- 
moted to rank as Major from Feb. 28. 1777. (Heitman). 



Oct. 28, 1776 

On Monday Morning 28/th October at 9 OClock the Alarm Guns 
were fird When our People man'd the lines at 1/2 after Nine the 
Enemies Spy Boat appeard in sight and Came In within Gun Shot, 
When three Cannon Was fird from the Jersey Redoubt one from the 
Sandy Battery East of the Jerseys & one from the Ronzallic Trumble( ?) 
which Went Nigh her without Damage excepting killing one & 
was Return'd with Small Arms from the Enemy, the Enemies Ves- 
sels Came to the three mile Point and there Cast anchor & Landed a 
Considerable Number of men then (at 12 OClock the Signal gun was 

fird of the Enemy when the lines was mand a Second time & 

thirteen Boats full of men Landed the East Side of Champlain our 
People Retird from the lines for Dinner & was not Disturb'd that Day 

213 



Nov ii. 1776 

Report of the Guard at the French Lines. 
Ticonderoga November 11/th 1776. Parole Falmouth C: Sign Norfolk 



t/i 



en 






*: «i ; S « \n o ■£ £ Occurrences. 

ft J3 'P " 3 Ji .£ C M C^ 

ns 3 v o i it: u f >^ v >. 
U in co U Q to (X, u,aU.o 

Main Guard 

consists of 1 2 2 2 1 1 40 10 10 

Received the Grand 
Detached Guard Rounds at half past 

consists of " 1 1 1 I " 20 6 6 one o'Clock 



Total i 3 3 3 2 i 60 16 16 



Jos/s Harmar Capt. of the Guard. 



Beautiful handwriting 



Nov. 24. 1776 

Col Wayne's Compliments to Maj — (torn) 
him to cause all the Muster Rolls — (torn) 
out — and the Muster Roll of the — (torn) 

— these will be wante — (torn) 

24/th Nov/r 1776 

Major Frazer 
present 



No. date. 

*Major John G. Frazer's compliments, to Col/o Wayne, & his Major 
Frazier, shou'd be glad of their company to Dine with him to day at 
two Oclock. 



Col/o Wayne 



Thursday Morning 



♦Probably John Gizzard Frazer of Massachusetts. Asst Q Mr Gen 22 Sept to Dec. 
1775, Major 6/th Cont'l Inf. Jan 1. to Dec 31. 1776. 



•14 



November 1776. 

Proceedings of a regime — (torn) — 
Ticondaroga November ye — (torn) — Colonel 
Anthony Wayne 



Captain Lacey President 
Lieu/t Bartholomew Lieu/t Boude 

Members 
Lieu/t Seeley Ensign Funck 

John Dun Confined by Colonel Johnston for drunkenness & dis- 
obedience of orders. — Brought Before the Court Pleads Not 
Guilty, — No Evidence appearing against the Prisoner, the Court 
thinks Proper to return him — to the guard 

David Thomas Confined by Lieu t Christy for Thretning to 
shoot him. Being Braught before the Court Pleades not guilty ; 
M/r Harper declared before the Court that at the time M/r 
Christy was Currecting his servant he beared the Prisoner say 
that if he served him so he would shoot him the Court Consid- 
ering the Evide — (torn) — do find the Prisoner guilty — and do ad 
judg — (torn) — Christy's Pardon and to go on three days — (torn) 

Patrick — (torn) — Bartley for giting drunk and — (torn) — ut 
leve 

Being Brought before — (torn) — Pleades Guilty the Court Con- 
sidering the Crime, do adjudge the Prisoner to receive 20 Lashes 

on his Bare Back at the head of the Regement 

Cap/t John Lacey President 
Endorsed. 

Ticondaroga 1 i/th Nov/r 1776 
The Col/1 Confirms the within Sentences and Orders them to 
take place tomorrow Morning 



Tyconderago Nov: 24/th 1776 
Sir 

You will be pleased to Order Your Regim/t to be paraded 
on Tuesday the 26/th instant at three OClock in afternoon, precisely, 
in order to their being mustered, Giving me notice of the place. — 

You will therefore be pleased to have Your Your Regiments Ex- 
cused from Duty for that Time & Order all the Parties and artificers 
taken therefrom to attend the Muster. 

I am 
Sir 

Your Humble serv/ 

Rich/d Varick 
To Colonel Wayne. — 

215 



November 28th, 1776 

Sir 

The Commisary is Issuing beef to my Company which I 
& a Number of the Officers think not such as we Should have Issued 
to our Army I Should be Glad that you and the other Gentlem who 
are appainted to Inspect provitions, would Come and Give your Opin- 
ion — the Corporal will warn the Others if you will please to Inform 
him who they are 

I am Sir your 

very Hum/1 Servant 
M/t Independance Wm Alexander 

20/th (or 28/th) Nov/r 1776 4/th P. . B. 

To Major Fraizer 

Major Fraizer 

Complaints of bad beef issued to United States soldiers commenced almost as 
early as the country itself. 



December 4th, 1776. 

All Officers Civil and Military are Requested to forward Major 
Frazer the bearer hereof to Congress with all possible Dispatch 
Ticonderoga 4/th Dec/r 1776 

Ant/y Wayne Col 

Com/ 

This note of recommendation was intended for the use of Col. Frazer on his jour- 
ney from Ticonderoga to Philadelphia as bearer of dispatches to Congress. 



December 4th, 1776. 

Major Frazer will procure the following Uniform & necessaries for 
the 4/th Penns/a Regiment 

viz 
a blue Coat faced with white, the Coat lined and something fuller than 
the last & set off in the neatess taste a uniform hat and Cap for the In- 
fantry — overcoat and Breeches two pair of white Linnen & two pair 
white yarn Stockings two pair of Shoes and one pair of Gaiters and 
Black Stock two white and two Course shirts — Shoe, knee — stock & 
Garter Buckles — Crooked hair Comb for each man and pair of shoe 
brushes and Close brush for every mess or Six men Col Johnston will 
aid and assist in this business 

Anty Wayne Col. 
4/h Dec/r 1776 

216 




MAP OF THE FORTIFICATIONS AT TICONDF.ROGA IX THE SUMMER AND AUTUMN OF 1776. 

'I he paper on whli.li tins map is draw n was made by L. V. Gerrevink . ol Hollaud. and Ileitis a water-mark 
ol u lion on u low platform, the word VRYH KYT helng printed on one side of the platform. The lion clasps 
in one paw a Bheathed sword, and in the other a bundle of arrows The whole is surrounded by an oval band 
with I In- Inscription, " LIbertate pro patria ej usque " surrounded by a crown. The paper was made In 1774. A 
hlauk sheet In possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania h.is, on t It e page ul the sheet inlsslug 
Irouj thib leaf, d R.. meaning Hullleliuus Rex, Fifty-two liuuditths, lineal lueasureineul, of the original. 



Between July and December, 1776. 
References 

b 1. the old French fort in part Repaired 

A 2 a Stone Redoubt of 12 Guns 

c 3. an Old french Redoubt and ditch lately Repaired 

d 4 General Brickets Redoubt 5 Gun's 

e 5 the Jersey Redoubt 7 ( runs 

f 6 a Simicircle Redoubt with 4 Guns 

g 7 an Oblong Redoubt with 3 Guns 

h 8 an Intended Redoubt with 3 Guns 

i 9 a Work in part finished — 

k 10 & 11 — *Flush thrown up after the defeat of the Fleet. 

1 12 a Rising Ground where a Hush was began — 

The works Raised in (?) the plans marked S t Clair, Wagon 
Artilery W'a — De Haas — shows the old Pennsil. lines — made 
by these Regiments — nearly on the Ground where the old 
French lines formerly stood 

m a log hut an advanced work made of loggs 

n n n a Battery of 26 Guns on Mount Independence 

o a Barbett Battery of 7 Guns overlooking and Commanding the 

Other 

p an Octagon Stockade within which are 8 Barracks sufficient to 

Contain 800 men 

The plans marked thus /*v n " J_, '"v Shows the bights 
the lines marked thus ^m^^u, Shows the low Grounds 
the sea Green shows a deep Morass on each side a Creek' per- 
haps 8 Miles back of Mount Independance and nearly parallel 
with the S. Bay 

This page of references in Gen. Wayne's handwriting i-. explanatory of some 
map of the region of Ticonderoga which is missing, and docs not appear to apply 
to either of those found among Gen. Frazer's papers. 

*I am indebted to Lt Col A. H. Russell, U. S. A., fur the following note on the 
word "flush :" 

Washington, .D C, Dec. 17, 1906. 
Dear Doctor 

The most probable explanation of word "flush" is that it was 
used colloquially for "Heche" or "flat he" as I find it variously printed 
in Military Dictionaries; though the anglicized form I do not find. It 
means a simple species of earth work, usually having two faces form- 
ing a salient towards the enemy, something hurriedly thrown up to 
protect the guards or advanced post, lt may have been merely bad 
spelling. 

Yours very truly, 

A'. H. Russell. 
217 



February 17th, 1777. 
Dr Sir 

On my arrival at Chester I found Sudry of the Men much 
Indespos'd but no Medicine was therefore Oblidg'd to Return with- 
out doing anything for them but, directing the Comissary and Nurse 

Must now go immediatly for Philad/a to get a proper Supply of 
Med/s as I'm determin'd to be no longer hurri'd I have Sent y/r Mare 
Pr Bearer being in hop's my Horse will be able to Come home 
I m Dr Sir, with Respectfull Complements to y/r self and good Lady 
in which M/rs Kennedy Joins 

y/r oblidg'd Hble Sert 
Feb: 17/th 1777 Sam Kennedy 

No address. 



February 20th, 1777. 

Marching Orders for 

Lieu/t Oldham of the 4/th 

Reg/t of Penns/a 
Sir 

You are to proceed Immediately with your Company to Al- 
bany — and there wait on Gen/1 Schuyler for further Orders — but if he 
should not be there or give others — you are then to apply to the Qr 
Master Gen/1 for Sleds to Carry your Sick and Baggage to Phil/a 
taking the shortest Rout to that City always Marching in good Order 
and using every possible means to prevent any Insult or Depredations 
being Committed on the Inhabitants through which you pass — 
On your arrival in Phila/a you are to wait on Col Johnston or the 
Board of War for further Orders — Rendering an acc/t of your Com- 
mand — 

You are to put Philip Kippo into the custody of the Guard at the 
Blockhouse with Orders for the Officers to send him under Guard to 
this place 

But if you should not meet with him until you get to Fort George — 
you are then to give him up to the Guard there with Orders to the 
Coming Officer to send him under a good Guard Immediately to Ti- 
conderoga 
Given at Head Quarters Ticonderoga 20/th Feby 1777 

P Ant.y Wayne Col 

Com/ 
Issued at Ticonderoga. 

2l8 



March 4th, 1777. 

Sir it gives me the utmost Pleasure to Congratulate you on your 
Appointment As Lieutennent Collenal of our Regiment it Likewise 
gives the greatest Satisfaction to all Who have the Honour of being 
under your Command — ■ 

At the Request of Co 1 Jonston 1 inform you that his Compliments 

Waits on you At Chester in order to Consult on measures to Bring the 
Regiment into forme 

I am with Respect your H S/t 

Joseph Potts 
Chester March 4/th 1777 

To 

Col/o Purcifer Frazer 

in 

Thornbury Chester 

County 

This note shows the feeling of his subordinate officers toward Col. Frazer. 



March 25, 1777. 

D/r Col 

1 understand Mr David Wilson declines Accepting 
the Office of Q/r Master, but find his Brotherinlaw Mr. llamel 
would he glad to till that vacancy — I'm well Instructed lie's a 
Gentleman of Integrity and has been well Acquainted with Ser- 
vice. — 

Any Civilities you will he good enough to Confer on Mr. Wil- 
son's Family Consistant with the Service & Hon/r of the Regi- 
ment. Shall Esteem as done to y/r Hble Sett 

Sam Kennedy 

1/77 
For particulars Refer 
to Capt Christy 

Endorsed. T/o 

Col. 

Persifor Frazer 
Fav'd Present 

by Mr Wilson 

219 



March 31. 'jy 
Esteemed Sir 

Mr Ferguson informs me that the Officers who belong'd 
to Colnl Wagner Regiment have applyd to him — for Rations due 
them whilst serving in Canada — 

I request you will order the Quarter Master of Colnl Wagner 
Regiment to make out a ge(ner)al return — of all the difficences — ■ 
due that Regiment — to which you will please to Certify that it is 
a just & true account — after which I will order it — to be paid 
in this City — 

I am Sir with 
Due Respect Your 
Humble Servant 
Philadelphia Carpenter Wharton 

March 31. '77 C. G. 

Endorsed. On publick Service 

Colnl Francis Johnston 
Chester 



April 3. 1777. 

This may Certify that Lieut M/cClintuck hath paid a Reward of Forty 
Dollars for Two Deserters which are now Confined in Philadelphia 
Gale which Reward is to Be Settled out of the Ball' of Accompts Due 
my Company 

P/r m Caleb North Maj (torn) 

April y/e 3/rd 1777 



April 17. 1777. 
Dear Col. 

Philad/a April 17/th 1777 
I received your's of this Date, & in consequence of 
which I waited upon Gen/1 Schuyler (the Command. g Officer here.) 

The Orders you have rec'd are to be complied with at all Events, as 
soon as you can with any degree of convenience for w/h purpose you 
had better order a list of necessaries to lie made out for those Com- 
panies immediately & let them be immediately drawn — 

You had likewise better order in those men who are out on fur- 
lough, the Recruiting Officers belonging to those Companies shou'd 
likewise be call'd in — 

'Tis needless to add any thing more, you know what is necessary to 
be done — 

I am D/r Col : your's &c 

F: Johnston 
P. S. There is a certain M/cDonnald & Ashton of North's Company 

220 



confined in the old Goal — you can get them out by your Order. I 
think you had better exchange them to the Frigate for Landsmen — 

To 
Lieut/t Col : Per/r Frazer 
Pr Lieutt Forbbes 5/th Penn: Keg/t 

Chester 



April 24. 1777 

Sir Bound brook, April 24/th 1777 

Agreabel to Col/o Johnstons order I Let you know that all my 
Papers Concernin my Company M/r M cClintock lias gol By apply- 
ing to him you may Know all about them he likewise Can Inform you 
of all the Diserters that Belongs to my Company there wass Eight 
Desserted from our Redg t in one Night since we Came here among 
which was two of mine, one Rayter & Doberman Perhaps upon Search 
he may _\| r \[ cClintock may finde them you would ( )blidg me much If 
you would hurry M r Scophel on here for our Duty is so hard here 
that I cant Possibely Do without an officer we are one Day off and an- 
other on Both officers and man 
Sir I am Your hum/1 Serv/t 



To 
Lieu/t Col. Frazer In 
Chester County 



John Christy 



April 25. 1777. 
Dear Sir, 



Boundbrook Aprile 25/th 1777 



By Col : Johnston I am informed that you were not 
acquainted that the accounts of my Compy with my hooks were left 
in Chester, which Surprised me much as 1 Depended upon M r Kim- 
mel to inform you and likewise assist in Settleing of them he being 
fully acquainted with the Nature of my accompts, if M r Kimmel has 
not Delivered them you I would he (Had you would Call on him for 
them, and likewise Convey them (as Soon as a Settlement can he made 
to me — Your Comp y is much desird here together with the other 
officers of the regiment in hopes of your Soon Joining o — (torn) 
I subscribe myself James Taylor 

Col : Percifer Frazer 
Chester 

221 



April 27. 1777. 

Bound Brook Ap/1 27/th 1777 

Dear Col/o 

Since I wrote you last a strong Reinforcement has 
arrived at this place; In consequence of w/h my officers are in some 
Degree excused from Duty, so that, they have nearly compleated 
their Accounts- 
Tomorrow, I expect to forward them to you with this Letter — 
Inclos'd I send you a Copy of Gen/1 Orders, w/h must be strictly 
attended to, no excuse for Delay, will be admitted — 

You will direct the Paymaster to carry these Orders into practice 
immediately, as soon as the Abstracts are finished he must wait on 
Paymaster Gen/1 not Head Quarters, for the Money & then join the 
Regiment — Those men who are not reenlisted must be first settled 
with, so that it will be necessary for y/e Paymaster to keep their 
Acc/ts separate — 

Perhaps you can draw Money in Philad/a to pay off the two Com- 
panies under your Command & likewise the Men who have not en- 
gaged again — 

Write to Cap/tn Oldham as soon as possible, Order him to come to 
Chester with his Company, leaving two active Officers to recruit — 

Order in the several Recruiting Parties & send on their Recruits 
to me as soon as you can, One Recruiting Officer from each Company 
will answer at this time, as Congress have granted leave to enlist Ser- 
vants a Apprentices — 

The Light Infantry Caps to be sent on by the first Detatchment, you 
will likewise send on as many Hats as you can, some Shoes & Shirts 
Breeches &c/a — 

D/r Co/1 We live exceedingly well, but do severe Duty, Tyc was 
nothing to this for Duty — Please to forward my Letter to my Wife, 
as soon as you can. the few things I left at Chester you will endeavor 
to send to my father's, together with my furniture, when you have 
leisure — 

My Comp/ts to your Lady, M/rs Wethy & all friends — 

I am Dear Sir 
Your's &c 

F: Johnston 

Call on My worthy friend M/r Blair M/c Clenneghan give my 

Comp/ts to him, & bring from him the Case of Pistols he has made a 

present of to m — (torn) 

As Lieut/t Williamson has never deliv'd in an — (torn) 

Account of the Cloathing he deliver'd to Capt/n — (torn) 

Moores Men, nor never accounted for 504 Doll — (torn) 

he drew from Gen/1 Wayne at Ticonderoga (for y/e recruiting Ser- 

222 



vice), you will therefore call him to acc/t immediately, w/h if he re- 
fuses, pray inform the Council of Safety, & they will call him before 
them — 

To 
Lieut/t Col/o Persifor Frazer 

5/th P. Reg/t 
Lieut/t M/c Henry Chester 

Pennsylvania 



April 30. 1777. 

Dear Coln/1 Bonebrook Apl. 30/th 1777 

I Now Transmit you by M/r M Henrey Sundry Accts 
of My Company, Among which are the Acct/s of the Old Soldiers 
Who Have Not Engaged during the War, Except it is Jacoats, 
Breeches & Shirts Which Williamson Drew In My Absence and De- 
livered to the Men, Which he has Never Rendred Me the least acct 
of Nor Has he Ever Delivered Me The Muster Roll Nor abstracts 
Which he Made Out at Ticonderoga 

You Will be Please'd to Make Him Give You all the Paper(s) Rela- 
tive To My Company, which Will Be of Great Service to you In Set- 
tling the Acct/s and Perhaps I (torn) Never May Have An Oppor- 
tunity of Getting them from him — Have Sent You an Exact acct of 
The Men Inlisted During the War, With the Dates of thier Inlist- 
ments, & times of Disertions Or Deaths. Some of the Men are Not 
Attested. By which Means I am afraid I shall Loose Considerably 
Altho Not Justly,- — Part of those Men Who Are Not attested Were 
Inlisted at Ticonderoga Agreeable to Gen/1 Gateses & Gen/1 Waynes, 
orders and Long before the Recruiting Orders Were Published, — the 
others Who Were Not attested was Inlisted in The Country twenty 
or Thirty M (iies) from any Magistrate by which Means it Was (torn) — 
Entirely out of My Power to Comply With the Orders — I [ave Xoted 
in the Margin of the Roll of (torn) the Men Which Did belong to my 
old Company Likewise a Note of the Men which Past Muster in al- 
bany Which Muster Roll have sent you I have Likewise Inclosed you 
an acc/t of the Cash I Drew From Time, to time for the Use of My 
Company — 

I Request you Would Take the Trouble of Setling an acc/t With 
Gen/1 Miflin, — its 115 P Shoes M/r Williamson Drew of him at New 
york which he Paid and took the Receipt But 1 am a Fraid its Lost — 
Would therefore be Glad you Would Get Williamson to Setle the 
acc/t The Qr/t Master Gen/ls Books are in Philad/a the Act. 

223 



is £ 41 , , some Shillings Lawfull — this Sum Was Stopt out of my Last 
Pay at Ticonderoga — 

We Make out to Live very Well here With a great Deil of Care In 
the Eating and Drinking Way, all We Want (are ) Tarts, Custard & 
floating Hand 

But are frequently Deprived of our Rest by the Bloody Backed 
Villians Who Very frequently Come and fire upon our Centries. We 
ar frequently allarmed by them but Not (torn) so Much harrassed as 
they are Not a Day But a our Scouts & Other Party, Goes Down and 
fires Upon them, yesterday our Scout killed three or four of thier 
Guard. & Came of Without any Damage 

My Complement to the Gentlemen 

I am D/r Sir With the 
Greatest Respec/t 

Your Most H/e Sev/t 
James Moore 

I have Made out My Pay roll and Draws the (allow)ance Ordered 
by Congress for Every Recruit 

To 
Coln.l Persifer Frazer 
Chester 
p/r Liu/t M Henry 



April 30. 1777. 

Bound brook April 30/th 1777 
Dear Colonel. 

I am Sorry to trouble you with Such Confused Ac/ts 
but at preasent it is out of my power to avoid it as my Inlistments are 
In Different hands I send you the Inlistments with a Roll of the Dates 
of Inlistments with the Subsistance Due and the time they came into 
Quarters affixing no particular Sum uncertain what is allowed by Con- 
gress for Recruiting I have likewise paid Each man in that Roll his 
full Bounty and have Sworn all Except those Deserted within the Six 
Days there being no magistrates in the Country at that time, I wish I 
could have my Books Conveyed as Soon as possible to me that I 
might know how my accompts stood I send you the amount of all the 
money M/r Bonde & myself Drew for Recruiting (Exclusive of what 
I Drew from you) which is 3194 Dollars, my pay rolls will Testify how 
much I drew for the Compy. — I have never Drew any ad-van f the 
augmented pay so that I Expect the fifteen pounds p month from the 

224 



Date of the Resolve Sir I long for a Settlement and a Junction of the 
Different Detachments of our Regiment and Can only at present wish 
you great Success and a Quick Settlement James Taylor 

1 would Just recommend those whom 1 would be Sergeants & Corporals 
with their Rank. Sarjeants Nathan 1 M (iill John Speer William M, c 
Donnald and Tho/s Benderman, Corporals Paul Gilmore Arthur Pat- 
teson John Sharp & John Griffy Drumer John Connally — 
If any person aproper heir should appear for M c Elhatton Stop 
66. . 15 . . 3 on acom/t of \\ 111 Noble Rob t Thompson and James 

Brown as I have Ul c his notes for the money. 

Jas Taylor 
To 
Col/1 Persifor Frazer 
Chester 



April 27. 1777. 
S/r 



Head Quarters Morris Town April 
27/th 1777— 



I am well convinced that the amazing desertions which 
have of Late prevailed among Our Troops proceeds intirely from 
thire not being regularly paid, for it is not to be suppos.d that the 
bare encouragement of receiveing a few dollars from the enemy 
for thire arms could Operate so forceibly upon them. I have in 
vain endeavour. d to make the Officers bring in thire pay rolls and 
Draw thier Money, the plead in Excuse that they are so Ex- 
ceedingly detached the Cannot Posibly Make Up Regular Rolls, 
and there May be some thing in this, But there is a Cause which 
I fear Will be found upon Ex Examination too true, and That is, 
that the Officers have Drawn Large Sums Under Pretence of pay- 
ing thier Men But have been oblidged from Extravagance and 
for other Purposes, to appropriate this Money to thier own Use — 
there is a Necessity at this time for the Mens being Paid 
up as Nearly as Posible, I Therefore Desire that you Will have 
the difrent Corps — Under your Command pareded Inquire 
of them What Pay is Due to them Order the Paymaster or Com- 
manding Officer, to Draw as Much as Will Be Necessary and — 
When its Drawn See that the Soldiers have theer Proportion 
It Would be Well to Let the Soldiers know That this Irregularity 
of Pay has been Owing to the Hurry in which the have been De- 
tach'd into the field — But that thier Wants shall fully Supplyed, — 
I also Desire that von Will inform the Officers that as Soon as 
Posible the Reg/t— (turnover) — Is Drawn together I Will Shall 

225 



Cause an Exact Scruitny to be Made Into Tliier Accts. and In- 
quire How These Complaints of the Soldiers arise for Want of 
Pay When Large Sums have Been advanced for that Purpose 
I am Sir 

Your Most humb/1 Sv 
Endorsed 

A Letter from His Excell.y Gen/1 
Washington 

to Gen/1 Lincoln 

Most likely an imperfect copy of sucli a letter made in haste by some one more 
soldier than scribe. 



Apirl 30. 1777. 

Bound Brook Ap/1 30/th 1777 
Dear Col/o 

Since I wrote you last, the Inclosed Letter arrived here 
from Gen/1 Washington to Gen/1 Lincoln (a Copy of which I have 
sent you for your perusal — 

Agreeable to these Orders (torn) Officers are now making out an 
Ace (torn) as nearly as may be, of the Sums due to their respective 
Companies — Tomorrow, I intend to set out with these Accounts to 
Head Quarters, where I expect to receive (torn) money sufficient to 
stop the Clamours of the men, as well those on this Ground, as those 
who are absent belonging to these Companies — 

This maneuvre of mine must not hinder the Paymaster from draw- 
ing money for & settling with the two Companies under your Com- 
mand, nor must it hinder him from giving money to those men be- 
longing to the Companies I have here, in case any of them shou'd be 
with you, & should any money be due to them. 

Nor must this prevent the Paymaster from making out the Pay 
Abstract for the Regiment, as His Excelly is determ'd to call all Offi- 
cers to account for y/e expenditure of Publick Money, as soon as the 
several Regiments join — 

In order to enable the Paymaster to make out the several accounts 
and form an Abstract, I have transmitted by M/r M/c Henry the Ac- 
counts remaining here, the Enlistment Papers &c &c — 

You wou'd be astonished to hear of the number of Desertions from 
us to the Enemy on account of the deficiency of pay — 

I am D/r Col/o 
Your's &c 

F: Johnston. 
To 
Col/o Persifor Frazer 
Chester 
Lieut/t Mc Henry. 

:?26 



May i. 1777 

(Printed) 

Philadelphia, May i . 1777. 

I lead ( (uarters. 
< i E N E R A L mud E R S. 
A/LL the Officers of the Continental Army, now 
in this City, arc to attend Tomorrow Morning at 
six o'clock at the Statehouse, to receive General 
Schuyler's ( )rders. 

By ( )rder of General Schuyler, 

Janus Van Rensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 



May 3. 1777 

Dear Sir. 

I am desired by Col. Connor to beg you would take 
such Steps as you think will be most effectual to apprehend & 
bring hack the Officers from your County who lately broke their 
Parole & escaped from New-York 

Their names are Cap. M c (lure & I. ts Anderson & Wind all 
of Colo. Montgomery's Regim/t of the Flying Camp. 

Colo. Connor forgot to mention those circumstances when he 
had the pleasure of seeing you & as he is now extremely busy I 
take the Liberty at his request of doing it. 

I am, Sir with respect 

Y most ob/ Serv. 

P. Scull 
Morris town 
3 May. 1777 

(Addressed) 

Colonel Francis Johnston 

5/ l'enn a Regin/t 

Bound! book 
(Endorsed) 

This Letter to be left with Col o Frazer, who is 
desir'd to make diligent search for y V within 
named Officers & to bring, or send them to Head 
Quarters — F: Johnston 

From its beginning the United States Army was scrupulous in exacting from its 
officers a strict compliance with their paroles. 

227 



May 3. 1777. 

Sir/ 

I Just Rec/d the letters from Officers by Capt. Vernon Capt. 
Taylor Mentions Viz Alex/d M/c hatton Died 26 Jan/y 1777. M/c 
Murray & S/t John Deserted Alb/y Jan/y 29/th Joseph Dew Died 
Chester March 23/d 1777 — l 1,a — Capt Vernon has a list of Sundry not 
yet Charg/d to Old Soldiers — belongg to Capt. Taylors C/o I have 
Taken all the Papers I thought wou'd be of Advantage to me at Camp 

I am Yours &/c 
To Colo Frazer Chester Mich/1 Kimell PayMas — (torn) 

Philad Saturd/y 3/d May 1777 

To 
Col/1 

Persifor Frazor 
Chester 



May 6. 1777. 

Dar Col/o Bound Brook May 6/th 1777 

I rec/d your's of the 3/d inst/t by the Hands of my' 
Paymaster (M/r Kimmlei) & am astonish'd beyond measure, to find 
that, notwithstanding the repeated Hints our Superiors have rec'd, 
regarding the notorious omissions and Neglects, in certain Depart- 
ments in the Army, yet those Abuses are not redress'd — 

You mention in your Letter, you cannot get Blankets for the Men 
'tis extremely hard. Soldiers shou'd he oblig'd to do the severe Duty 
incident to a Camp Contiguous to the Enemy, when they are so much 
neglected, not only as to Blankets Cloathing &c but pay — 

The amazing Desertions from us to the Enemy, are totally occasion'd 
by the neglect shewn the Men — they can be accounted for on no other 
Principles — 

I have not experienced, since I left you, so happy a Circumstance 
as the arrival of M/r Kimmle — I this inst/t have put into his hands 
12,000 Dollars, to distribute among the Men, but even this will not 
prove satisfactory to them, nor will any thing short of a final Settle- 
ment — I must therefore beg (for God's sake) that you will im- 
mediately transmit by the bearer Lieut/t North, all the Books & 
Papers, Pay Rolls &c &c/a relating to the respective Companies, now 
in your Hands, as it will otherwise be impossible, to come to a final 

228 



Settlement with the Men — I have sent Lieut/t North Express to you, 
for no other purpose — 

I wish you had waited on Gen/1 Schuyler, to have obtain'd Liberty 
to march on the two Companies from Bristol to this place — As His 
Excell/y seems desirous of having Reg, ts together, 1 make no doubt 
Gen/1 Schuyler on proper application made to him, will grant liberty, 
to send on the two Companies — 

You express a desire of joining the Reg/t as soon as possible, you 
cannot desire it more than 1 do — and as the two Companies are now 
at Bristol, you may without doubt, come on to me immediately, leav- 
ing an active ( Mhcer behind to send on the Recruits — 

D/r Col/o I am almost weary of commanding Troops, who have 
such cause of Complaint as mine have, >!v who are perpetually, ringing 
in my Ears, Want of Money, & want of Necessaries — 

This Morn/g I had the honor of commanding a Division from this 
Post compos'd of as likely, brave & determin'd Men as Britain can 
boast of- — I form'd them into a strong Column & march'd towards 
Brunswick, as far as the Hessian Picquet, near w/h place, 1 was joind 
by another Column under the Command of Col o Spotswood ; 

We drove in their Out Sentries one by one, & then challeng'd their 
Main Body to a fair field fight, they declin'd it, however tomorrow we 
expect to hear from them — The Enemy will assuredly approach us in 
the course of three Days or decamp — w h of the two I know not, cer- 
tain I am they are preparing to move somewhere — 

Send to M/r Robinson's at Naaman's Creek, for the Major's Papers 
& — present my Love to the family — If my Dear little Girl is there, 
kiss her for me — I am really sorry to hear of your Lady's Illness, I 
hope she is likely to recover — 

Pray do not neglect to procure the Articles I mention'd in my last, 
the Shrubb(f) (as much of it as you can purchase) send on im- 
mediately. 

My Confusion in consequence of this Day's fatigue, is such, that I 
cannot remember the respective articles I require — 

I am D/r Col/o 

Ever Your's &c/a 



L/t North at all Events 
must bring on the Men 
belonging to the Companies here — 

To 
Lieut/t Col/o Per/r Frazer 
Command/g Officer 
Lieut/t North at 

Chester 

229 



F. Johnston 



May 9. 1777. 

Dear Sir 

In Answer to yours of this day I must inform you I 
rec'd a letter from my Brother, the other day requesting me to settle 
the Acco/ts of his Comp/y; I have made some essay thereto, and 
wrote him about it, he likewise gives me some expectation of his 
(torn) — ing home shortly for a few days, I believe chiefly to settle 
those Acco/ts 1 hope my detaining them a few days to endeavour to 
put them a little forward will no ways retard the Settling the Acco/ts 
of the rest of the Captains, 1 intend for Chester in a few days where I 
hope to have the pleasure of seeing you — interim remain your 
Friend &c 

N. Creek May 9/th 1777 Ab/m Robinson 

To 

Col/1 Frazer 

at 

Chester 



June 2. 1777. 

Dear Col/1 Bristol June 2/d 1777 — 

Since I arrived at this place I have been (as it were) 
persecuted with a vile Fever, attended with Billious symptoms — I fear 
it is something of my old Complaint — 

I make no doubt you will do every thing in your power to hurry on 
the Men — when you do set out, you will remember to send on a few 
spare Muskets, as Many of the Arms here are considerably out of 
order — 

As the 90 Blankets which the Q/r M/r drew, will not be sufficient 
you will endeavor to draw some more — remember to send on Serjeant 
Halbert in Irons, he is a dangerous Villain — 

Pray what can detain Doct/r Jones, unless he comes on immediately 
he must give the matter up totally — My best respects to your Lady — 
&c Send Vernon & Potts immediately — 

I am D/r Col/1 
Your's &c 



To 

Lieut/t Col/1 Pers/r Frazer 
5/th Penn/a Reg/t 
Chester 
Col/1 Shreiv 

230 



F: Johnston 



June 10. 1777 

It is with inexpressible regret, The Commander in chief, has been 
driven to the necessity of doing a severe but necessary act of justice, 
as an example of what is to be expected by those daring offenders, 
who, lost to all sense of duty and the obligations they owe to then- 
country and to mankind, wantonly violate the most sacred engage- 
ments, and fly to the assistance of an enemy they are hound by every 
tie to oppose. — A spirit of desertion is, at once the most fatal disease 
that can attend an army, and the basest principle that can actuate a 
Soldier. 

— Wherever it shows itself, it deserves detestation and calls for the 
most exemplary punishment. — What confidence can a General have in 
any soldier who, he has reason to apprehend may desert in the most 
interesting moments? — What hut the total want of every moral and 
manly sentiment can induce him to desert the cause, to which he 
has pledged his faith, even with the solemnity of an oath, and which 
he is bound to support by every motive of justice and good will to 
himself and to his fellow creatures? — When such a character appears, 
it may almost he said in reference to it, — that forbearance is foil)- and 
mercy degenerates into cruelty. — Notwithstanding this, and though 
the General is determined to convince every man, that crimes of so 
atrocious a nature shall not he committed with impunity: yet, as he is 
earnestly desirous to show that he prefers clemency to severity — par- 
doning to punishing, — 

He is happy to proclaim the remission of their offenses to all the other 
prisoners now under sentence and a releasement to all those now under 
confinement, for trial. — He hopes, that they and all others will have 
a proper sense of this act of lenity and will not he ungrateful or fool- 
ish enough to abuse it. They will do well to remember that justice 
may speedily retake them, as it has done the unhappy man whom they 
have seen fall a victim to his own folly and wickedness. — Those who 
are pardoned, can expect no favour on a second offence. — 

But why will soldiers force down punishment upon their own 
heads? — Why will they not he satisfied to do their duty and reap the 
benefits of it? — The General addresses himself to the feelings of every 
man in the army, exhorting one and all — to consult their own honor 
and welfare — to refrain from a conduct that can only serve to bring 
disgrace and destruction, upon themselves, and ruin to their country. 
— He entreats them not to sully the arms of America by their in- 
fidelity, cowardice or baseness; and to save him the anguish of giving 
guilt the chastisement it demands. — They are engaged in the justest 
cause that ever man defended — they have every prospect of success, 



231 



if they do their part. — Why will they abandon or betray so great a 
trust? — Why will they madly turn their backs upon glory, freedom 
and happiness? — 
Head Quarters June io/th By His Excellency's command 

1777 A Hamilton ADC 

(In Alexander Hamilton's hand writing) 



June 18. 1777. 

The Proceedings of a Regimental Court martial held at Mount 
Pleasant this 18/th Day June 1777 

Cap/t Vernon President — 
Job Vernon L/t James M'Cullough L/t 

Members 
Joseph Standley L/t Hugh Steel Ensign 

Rob/t Garret Prisoner brought before y/e Court for being drunk 

when going on duty pleads guilty 

The court Sentences him to receive 25 Lashes on his bare back at 
y/e head of y/e Reg after which the Court adjourn/d for want of Evi- 
dences 



The Proceedings of a Regimental Court martial held at Mount Pleas- 
ant this 19/th Day of June 1777 

Cap/t Vernon President 
Job Vernon L/t Ja/s M'Cullough L/t 

Members 
Tho/s Boud L/t Jn/o G/t Kencher L/t 

Garret OFarrel Prisoner brought before y/e Court for stealing 11 

Dollars Pleads not guilty ■ 

Mic/1 Brannon being sworn, says he lost 1 1 Dollars, that it was stole 
out of his Pocket as he lay asleep in his Tent, that no one was in it 
but OFarrel after Jn/o Lackey being sworn says he saw a quantity of 
money with s/d O Farrel y/e s/d O Farrel told him that Brannon had 

not lost y/e money yet, but for he had it under his head. 

The Court finding him guilty sentences him to receive 75 Lashes on 
his bare back at y/e head of y/e Reg/t. & the money to be stop/d out 
of his pay till y/e whole is refunded— 

232 



Ja/s Kelly Prisoner brought before y/e Court for Stealing, getting 

drunk & abusing his Corporal, pleaded not guilty 

Ja/s Nelson being sworn, says lie found the Prisoner going ab/t dusk 
with a Shirt, of which he wold he not give an acc/t of what he was 
going to do with it. he Likewise believes the Shirt was stolen, oc y/e 

s/d Kelly was drunk & ahus/d him much for stopping him 

After Rob/t Garnet was sworn who said the shirt found in Kellys pos 
session belong d to him & he never allow/d Kelly to take it- 



The Court finding him guilty, sentences him to receive 50 Lashes at 
y/e Head of the Reg/t on his Hare hack 

Serj/t Speir, Serj/t Gilmore, Serj/t Benderman & Jn/o Connolly 
Drum/r Prisoners brought before the court for forging an order for 
Liquor, pleads guilty 

The Court taking into Consideration their former good Behaviour 
sentences to be reprimanded at the head of the Reg/t by y/e Com- 
mand g, Officer & to beg M 'r Bonds I 'anion whose Name they forged 

Cap/t Fred :/k Vernon. President 



July 2. 1777. 

I do Certify that I have received from L/t Colonel Pers. Frazer, 
Receipts for the following Sums from the Officers herein Nam'd Viz 
Cap/t Moore 240 Dollars. L/t Vernon 140 Dollars, L/t Seely 140, L/t 
M/cClintock 248. Cap/t Johnston IO ° 100 Doll/s. Cap/t Taylor 130 
Doll/s Cap/t Potts 470 Dollars. Ensign Evans 108 Doll/s Cap/t 
Vernon 216 Doll/s L/t Mc/Henry 142 Doll/s Paymaster Kim- 
mell 108 Doll/s Ensign M/cGee 216 Doll/s L/t Griffith 162 
Doll/s L/t Forbes 162 Dollars. L/t Smith 38 Dollars. Cap/t Barthol- 
omew 234 Dollars. L/t M/c Cullough 30 Dollars Quarter Master 
Strong 83 Dollars. L/t Bartley 100 Dollars, being in the whole Three 
Thousand & Sixty Seven Dollars which were paid to the s/d Officers 
for the purpose of recruiting for 5/th Pensylv/a Regiment, by the Said 
L/t Col/o Frazer. 
Witness my Hand this 2/nd lulv 1 777- 

Mich/1 Kemmell 5 P. R. 

L/t Col/o 5/th Pens/a Reg/t C/r 

1776 doll/s 

Decem/r 4/th By Cash from Col/o Wayne 66 2/3 

By ditto rec/d from Col/o Johnston Chester 130 

By ditto from d/o P L/t M cl tenry -'60 

By ditt/o from M/r Nesbit 1000 

By ditto Mease & Caldwell P order 

of Gen/1 Schuyler 2000 

233 



July 5. 1777 

D/r Colonell 

By the Resolutions of Congress for the issuing of 
Forage only six Persons in each Reg/t are allow'd to draw — viz Co/1 
L/t Co/1 Major, O/r M/r Adju/t & Surg/n I shall be very happy to 
oblige a Friend with any thing in my Power but must put every Reg/t 

upon an equal Footing to avoid just Censure for Partiality His 

Excellency the Gen/1 can give Permission for the Chaplain to have 

Forage- — ■ — ■ 

Morris Town I am D/r Col/1 

July 5 1777 Your Frd & hb/1 Serv/t 

J. Mifflin 
DQ M G 
L/t Col/1 Frazer 
The Deputy of his brother, Thos. Mifflin, then Quarter Master General. 



August 10/th 1777 

August 10/th 1777 
Dear Col ;/l Philad/a 

We have mov'd from the Ground where you left us, & 
are now on our way to *Corryell's Ferry, tonight we shall encamp on 
the side of the Neshammeny, tomorrow we shall reach Corryells — 

Our next Maneuvre is not known, 'tis likely, we shall immediately 
proceed towards Albany, or into some part of New England — 
I give you this notice that you may join us as soon as possible — 
My best respects to M/rs Frazer 

I am D/r Col/1 your's &c 

F : Johnston 

In the interval between the dates of the last and the next documents Col Frazer 
had moved with his command down the Delaware to near Wilmington, thence up the 
Brandywine to Chadd's Ford; had participated in the battle of Brandywine Sept. 11. 
and had been taken prisoner on Sept. 16. See Chapter III. pp 151 + 



September 28. 1777 

I do hereby acknowledge myself a Prisoner of War to the King's 
Army, and do most sacredly promise upon my Parole of Honor, that 1 
will not directly nor indirectly in any Respect whatever, do, or say any 

♦Now called Lambertville, in Hunterdon Co. N. J. 

234 



./ 



fYt f-y r 



. "•/, :■■ .■' 



. /As '// n& t> . fSs»y, 

J 







fj-rX<v"/'~'', .1 fist' V'S.r ,;■ y _/.r,:-lt- /s/s. - .<,;/ /s- JAr f.~. >r*a -m ' ■" /*■ r* 

. • - 'V. 



1 ', ;.>•■>. ' s~> /■■ '" ' y -' " '■ '"' 






i 



y ■ • -V-' 77 * . 






jf.oj£* ^fJ;vf. 







ParoK- -i^m.l bj I.i. Col. l'r.i/rr. Probably a duplicate. 
Sixty-four hundretlis, lineal measurement, of the original. 



thing- to the Prejudice of the King's Service, or bear Arms against His 
Majesty, until] regularly exchanged, and tins my Parole returned to 
the Commander in Chief of the American Army, or to his Commissary 
of Prisoners for the Time being. 

Given under my hand in 
tins 28/th Day of Sep r 1777 

Persifor Frazer L/t Col 1 
In the Presence of 
*Jos Strike L/t 10/th Keg t 

Persifor Frazer 

This parole was probably a duplicate left in the possession of the prisoner to 
serve as a pass in case of challenge by a British patrol. 



September 30. 1777 

Camp 30/th September 1777 
Dear Colonel 

Your's of the 27/th [nstant P flag- I rec d and send 
your Baggage by Cap/t Taylor who goe's as a flag on the Occasion 

.Major Harper's Baggage being at a Distance could not be sent with 
your's — but will be forwarded the soonest Possible 

Interim I am yours most 

Sincerely 

Ant y Wayne 
Lieu/t Col. Frazer 

Lieu/t Col/1 Persifor Frazer 
In 
P flag Germantown 

This was two weeks after his capture. The march of the British army with its 
prisoners toward Philadelphia was slow. 



September 30. 1777. 

Trap Sept/r 30/th 1777 
D/r Coln/1 

I this Morning had The Pleasure of Seeing A Letter, 
from You & am Verry Happy to hear You are Well — 

Gen/1 Wayne has Permited Capt/n Taylor To Go With a Flag, 
Who Conveys Your Cloathing To You. 1 am Fxtreamly sorry You 
Were So Unfortunate as to Be Taken, But Makes No Doubt You are 
Well Treated 



•[Perhaps "I/s" or "H"] 

2 35 



Please Inform Maj/r Harper that When Ever his Cloathing arrives 
hear they shall Be sent him 

Capt. Bartholomew. Doct/r Davison and all the Gentlem of the 
Reg/t has their Best Compliments to you & Maj/r Harper. 

I am D/r Sir With the Greatest 
P. S. have sent you the following Respect 

Cloathing Which I hope you Will Get Your Most Obd/t 

Safe Humble Ser/t 

3 Shirts i hunting d/o J/as Moore 

2 p/r Breches 2 p/r Under Drawers 

3 towals 1 p/r Overalls 

2 hand towels 2 p/r Gloves 

1 p/r Gaiters 10 p/r Stockings 

1 p/r Silver Shoe Buckles 3 p/r Shoes — 

2 Sheets 1 Blanket 

1 Bed 1 Coat & 1 pillow 

To 
C oln/1 Persifer Frazer 
fav/r p/r Prisoner at 

Capt/n Taylor Germantown 



October 1. 1777. 
Dear Madam 

I shou'd have written to you sooner, but unfortun- 
ately fell sick immediately after the Action at Chad's Ford — 

I am heartily sorry for your Loss, I trust however, that it will be a 
loss of short duration, I have great reason to believe, a general Ex- 
change of Prisoners will soon take place — 

The Enemy will find your Husband a Man of Honor & a Gentleman, 
so that you have nothing to fear, he will be treated well — 

If you have not already sent some Hard Cash & Cloathing to the 
Col/1 you will please to let me know, that I may use my Endeavors to 
procure some Hard Money, w/h with his Baggage shall be sent with 
a Flag of Truce, the earliest opportunity — 

I shou'd be glad to know whether my papers & some little Cloath- 
ing w/h I had in the Col/1 Chest be secur'd, & where they are — 

I am D/r Madam 
Cross Roads Your's &c 

Oct/r i/st 1777 F: Johnston 

When you write, send your Letter to Camp — 

To 
M/rs Frazer 

Chester County 

236 



October 5. 1777. 

Philadelphia 5/th October 1777 

A Horse belonging to Perceval Frazier Esq. of Chester County, hav- 
ing been marked by mistake in the Kings Name, is therefore not to 
be considered as belonging to the Army. But to Pass where His Law- 
full Occasions require — 

Henry Bruell 
N:B: G:R: is now reversed. D.O/r M/r Gen/1 

This is a very remarkable note. It implies that the prisoner had been permitted 
to retain his horse during the march to Philadelphia, and that it was, with quite un- 
usual consideration, cared for while its owner was languishing behind the prison 
bars of the State House, Also that the farrier had by accident branded the horse, 
and as such a brand would subject its rider, if not a British officer, to very unpleas- 
ant consequences, the D. Q. M. G. very kindly gives a pass for his animal to the 
owner, which may be of value in case he is paroled or exchanged. 

It is not improbable that this is further proof of the good will of Gen. Grant, his 
captor, who discovered a relationship between them and restored his horse and 
sword. It is also probable that Col. Frazer was a Free Mason at this epoch, as he 
certainly was later, and that this was one of those instances so often cited to 
prove the value of membership. 

The last name of the British officer may be Bruen or even possibly Bruem, but 
neither of these names nor Bruell was found by Dr. J. W. Jordan among the lists of 
British officers in Gen. Howe's army. 



October 24. 1777. 

Dear Frazer — 

I am not a little surpris'd to find, that our former Connec- 
tions & friendship have not indue'd you, to favor me with a line — 

This perhaps proceeds from an apprehension, that I am still unwell 
& absent from the Regiment— this however is not the case — 1 have 
long since return'd to my Duty, tho, not in such a perfect state of 
health as I could wish — 

Our worthy Major is recov'd & I trust will join us tomorrow or 
next Day) Capt/n Potts is well — Moore & the other Gent/n join in 
their best respects to you — 

M/rs Frazer & family I understand are extremely well — 
My best Comp/ts to Major Harper tell him, I had it not in my 
power to send his Baggage sooner, than the present opportunity — I 
am Dear Frazer Ever Your's &c 

Oct/r 24/th 1777 F: Johnston 

To 

Lieut/t Colonel P: Frazer 

5/thP:Reg/t 

Philadelphia 

237 



October 25. 1777. 

Dear Colonel, Camp Oct/r 25/th 1777 

Your much Esteem'd favour of the 10/th Instant p/r 
Flag came safe to hand, which gave me particular pleasure, I had 
rlatter'd myself, you wou'd not be Denied your Parole, nor the 
priviledge of walking the Streets, but was much distrest to find to the 
Contrary, by your letter — I ever was Convinc'd your Spirits were able 
to support you in every Distress and your Fortitude much Superior 
to any misfortune that can Befall you, — 

(Three lines crossed out) 

When I sent you your portmantteau and *Pilew y/e Wash woman was 
not in Camp, but when Ever she Arriv'd and I found your Clothes 
were in her possession, I got them Imediately and Sent 'em to M/rs 
Frazer's — thinking you had a Sufficient Supply Untill I shou'd be 
happy in seeing you with us again, and at your Liberty — 

You may Rely on the greatest Assiduity and Care shall be taken by 
me in Settling those Acc/ts which you have Intrust'd me with, and as 
soon as I can possibly procure the Money, Shall transmit it to M/rs 
Frazer. If you want the remainder of your Cloathes, please write 
me and I shall take Particular pleasure in Serving you, Capt. Tay- 
lor when in with a Flag, gave Major Stroubinsey £3,, 12,, o in 
Specy, for you the Rec/t of which, you did not mention in your L.etter. 
Shou'd be glad to know in your next, If you Receivd it — 

All the Gentlemen in the Regiment were Extremely happy to hear 
from you, and Joins in their Sincere wishes for your Health — 
I have y/e Honor to be Dear Sir 
with the greatest Esteem your 
most Obedient Serv/t 



Coln/1 Persifor Fraizer 

To 
Lieu/t Coln/1 Persifor Fraizer 
5/th penn/a Regment 
p/r Flag Prisoner in 

Philadelphia 



James Moore 



November 5. 1777. 
Sir 

I shall be much obliged by your procuring from the Commis- 
sary and transmitting to me a list of our Officers, who have been taken 



*Perhaps "Vilise." 

238 



since the British Enemy landed at Elk. 1 am induced to request this, 
that their Friends may be satisfied in their anxious inquiries about 
them. If any have died of their wounds, or thro other cause, you will 
be pleased to mention it. 

I am Sir 

Yr Most Obed Servt 
Camp Nov 5 Robt Harrison 

1/77 

To 

Lieut Col/o Frazer 

This is Lt. Col. R. II. Harrison, A. D. C. and Secretary of Gen. Washington, 
who wrote the body of the letter addressed by Gen. Washington to Lt. Col. Frazer 
and dated Nov. 4, 1777. 



The following is probably an enumeration of the occupants of the "New Goal" 
Sixth and Walnut Streets Philadelphia, made in response to Gen Washington's 
above request. 

The Walnut St. Prison, occupied in 1775, was two stories high, 1S4 x 32 ft., with 
two wings of ox3 ft. and contained 36 rooms 20 ft. square besides cells, &c. 

Second Floor. Front 

Persons 

N/o 7 22 

8 22 

9 n 

10 24 

12 24 

13 24 

14 25 

15 9 

161 

East Wing first floor 

N/o 4 19 

N/o 5 15 

N/o 6 15 

7 Doctors Room 3 

8 19 

7i 
2 39 



Second Floor 

N/o 9 16 

10 16 

11 ■ 13 

12 16 

13 19 

80 
West Wing first floor 

N/o 4 17 

5 18 

6 18 

7 15 

8 8 

76 
Second floor 

N/o 9 19 

10 • 23 

11 24 

12 18 

13 14 

98 

N/o 17 Upper floor Front 8 

First Floor Front 

N/o 1 7 

2 15 

3 • I 2 

5 12 

6 13 

59 

First floor front 59 

Second D/o D/o 161 

East Wing i/st floor 71 

D/o D/o 2/d D/o 80 

West Wing i/st floor 76 

D/o D/o 2 D/o 98 

N/o 17 Upper floor front 8 

Total in Goal 553 

240 



Total Confined in Goal Officers 

Citizens & Soldiers 553 



Scribbled on the back of preceding page 

Some men for publick good oft pretend 
While representing' Interest in their end 

Philadelphia 
Phil Johnson 

Philad/a 
Ben Weller 

George Seaton 

Livin Joynes 
To Capt. Frazer (?) 

I am your Humbl Servt 
James Johnson 

Nancy Smith 
I am Druyer (?) 
Yauberson ( ?) 



The following lists are most probably of the inmates of the hospital connected 
with the New Jail. 

In y/e front Lower Roomes N/o 1. is 3 Nurses 

N/o 2 is 15 officers 1 of them Sick Total 

N/o 3 is 10 officers 

N/o 5 is 12 officers 1 of them Sick 53 

N/o 6 is 13 officers 

West Wing Lower Storey — N/o 4 is 16 Includeing y/e Nur/s 

5 is 16 D/o V.D/o 

6 is 16 D/o D/o Sick 78 

7 is 16 D/o D/o 

8 is 14 D/o D/o 

West wing Up Stares — N/o 9 is 16 D/o D/o 

Sick 20 

N/o 12 is 2 D/o D/o 

13 is 2 D/o D/o 



241 



Front Up Stares 



N/o 7 is 31 — In health 

N/o 8 is 31— D/o 

N/o 9 is 31 One of them Sick 

N/o 10 is 31 In health 

N/o 12 is 31 D/o 

No/ 13 is 31 D/o 

N/o 14 is 31 two of them Sick 



217 



East wing Lower Storey. 



N/o 4 Is 16 Including y/e Nur/s 

N/o sis 13 D/o.... "D/o 

N/o 6 Is 14 D/o.... D/o Sick 62 

N/o 8 Is 19 D/o D/o 



East wing Up Stares- 



In 2 Small Roomes No fire 



East Wing Up Stares : 



-N/o 9 is 16 Includeing y/e Nur/s 

N/o 10 is 16 D/o D/o 

N/o 11 is 16 D/o D/o 

N/o 12 is 16 D/o D/o Sick 80 

N/o 13 is 16 D/o D/o 



N/o 16 is 14 In health. 
N/o 17 is 8 D/o. . . 

N/o 15 is 6 In health. 



5io 



22 



West Wing Lower Storey N : 4 is 16 Includieng y Nurses 

n/o 5 is 15 

n/o 6 is 15 Sick 57 

n/o 8 is 1 1 



N/o 1. 3 Women 2 Men " 
2 13— 

5—12 
6—13 



4i 



* In pencil 



41 



West Wing up Stairs N/o 9 is 15 Including Nurses 
N/o 10 is 17 one Sick 

n/o 11 is 12 16 Sick 



242 



Front up Stairs N/o 


15 is 24 


n/o 


14 is 24 


n/o 


13 is 24 


n/o 


12 is 30 


n/o 


10 is 24, 


n/o 


9 is 24, 


n/o 


8 is 24 


n/o 


7 is 25 


n/o 


8 a Sm 



3 Sick 
5 Sick 



3 Sick 
2 Sick 

2 Sick 



In Health 199 



9 Sick 



8 a Small Room up Stairs is 8 

East Wing Lower Storey n/o 4 is 15 Including Nurses 

n/o 5 is 14 

n/o 6 is 14 

n/o 7 is 4— Sick 65 Sick 

n/o 8 is 19 



East Wing up Stairs N/o 9 is 17 Including Nurss 
n/o 10 is 1 — (torn) 
n/o 1 1 is 1 — (torn) 
n/o 12 is 1 — (torn) 
n/o 13 is 1 — (torn) 



72 Sick 



(No date) 

Coll/o Buncombes best Respects attend Coll/o Frazier, & the other 
Gentlemen at the State House, has been unsuccessful in procuring a 
Supply of Eggs; He sent the Bearer to Market this day. but not one 
cou'd be had; wou'd wait on Them, but can scarcely walk, owing to his 
having the Step-Gout — 
8 O Clock- 
Saturday Morn/g 

Coll/o Frazier 
at the State House 

Col. Edward Buncombe, who gave his name to a County in N T . C, commanded 
the 5th N. C. line, was wounded and captured at the battle of Germantown Oct. 4. 
1777, and confined with other officers, including Col. Frazer, in the State II 
Philadelphia, where he died before the close of the year. Like Col. Frazer and many 
others he was paroled, but unlike them he was allowed to enjoy some of the 
privileges which a parole confers, — very likely because it was known that his 
wounds would soon prove fatal. 



243 



November 12. 1777. 

In CONGRESS. 
The DELEGATES of the UNITED STATES of N civ-Hampshire, 
Masschusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South- 
Carolina and Georgia, TO Pcrcifer F racier of the State of Peunsih'ania, 

Esquire- 

WE, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, 
Valour Conduct and Fidelity, DO, by these Presents, constitute and 
appoint you to be Lieutenant Colonel of the 5/th Pennsilvania Regiment, 
and by a special Resolve of Congress of this date, to rank from the i/st of 

October ijj6 

in the Army of the United States, raised for the Defence of American 
Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are 
therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of Lieutenant 
Colonel by doing and performing all manner of Things thereunto be- 
longing. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Sol- 
diers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as Lieuten- 
ant Colonel And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Di- 
rections from Time to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future 
Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress, for that 
purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief, for the Time being, of the 
Army of the United States, or any other your superior Officer, accord- 
ing to the Rules and Dicipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust re- 
posed in you. This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by 
this or a future Congress. Dated at Yorktoivn the 12/th Nov/r iyjf 

By Order of the Congress, 
Attest. Cha/s Thomson Secy Henry Lausens President. 

On the back of this commission is endorsed in the handwriting of Lt. Col. Tench 
Tilghman A. D. C. and Military Secretary to General Washington the following 
note which is a formal acceptance of the resignation tendered a year later and an 
honorable discharge from the service. 

Head Quarters Fishkill q/th October 1778 



Lieu/t Col/o Frazier having at his own request desired liberty to quit 
the Service, His Resignation is hereby accepted 

By His Excellency's Command 

Tench Tilghman 

The parts of the text underlined were written. 

244 



December 31. 1777 

Sir 

We have frequently understood that the British ( Mhcers 
(Prisoners) were on their way to this place and consequently We were 
in daily expectations of being releas'd from tllis P lace - but our hopes 
have prov'd fruitless. M/r Ferguson Commiss/y of prisoners here, 
has inform'd Us that he had had a meeting with M/r Boudinot in or- 
der to expedite the Exchange, but that M/r Boudinot had failed in 
giving a regular return of the prisoners & of course the business 
drop'd, should this be the Case, which I can not doubt of. it is thought 
some very good reason will be expected from M/r Boudinot for this 
neglect, in a matter of so much consequence to our happiness \\ e 
are under great obligations to those who have furnish'd Us with 
hard Cash &c/a. 

and Tomorrow we are to be remov'd to the new Goal as We have been 
inform'd, the rooms are preparing for our more commodious accomo- 
dation, the State House being thought not so proper to render our 
situation agreable. I have heard nothing lately from Col/o Johnston, 
& wonder Major Robinson should be silent. 1 must imagine they are 
both unwell & absent unless the old adage is — fulltil'd in them also. 

"Out of sight &c/a" 

We have been inform'd that a malignant disorder has prevail'd in 
the New Goal, but We are told since yesterday, it has been otherwise. 
I am not in proper mood for writing what is agreable to myself, & 
cannot expect it can be pleasing to you I will therefore conclude with 
being 

Your most Hble Scrv/t 

Pers/r Frazer 
Decem/r 3 i/st 1777 

M/r Ferguson has propos'd that any Provisions, ('loathing or other 
necessaries that may be thought expedient to send to Officers poor pri- 
vates in confinement he will faithfully distribute among them — You 
will please to mention this to Gen/1 Washington — 

To 

Anthony Wayne Esq/r Brig/r Gcn/1 

American .Army 

P flag f 

Pers/r Frazier ! . 

tV / 1 a. ■< In a foreign hand. 

Decem/r 31/st 1777 ! 
State House { 



245 



January 3- 177%- 

Camp Jan/y 3/d 1778 
Sir 

Your Letter to Gen/1 Wayne of Course fell into my Hands, 
and you may imagine the Paragraph containing M/r Ferguson's In- 
formation, of the reasons for dropping the intended Exchange, did not 
escape me — The part I have taken in all your distresses, and the 
Labour I have used to have them removed, obliges me to trouble you 
with this, lest your miserable State, should be any ways heightened by 
a suspicion that every Thing was not done for you, that was in our 
Power — An Agreement was fully concluded upon, between the two 
Generals, for an Exchange on Parole, and also that an Officer of our 
Army not above a Quarter Master or Commissary should be permitted 
to go into Philadelphia with Provision &c and there examine into the 
State & wants of our Prisoners — General Howe had asked for a re- 
turn of the Prisoners in our Hands, and on recieving Orders to make 
it out. I made report to General Washington, that all the returns 
Books &c were gone to Congress but the day before, and therefore I 
could only give him an Estimate of the numbers for each State from 
memory — This I took with me to the Lines, where I met M/r Fer- 
guson, and applied to him for a return of our Prisoners, on giving him 
the above Estimate, with the reasons of not mentioning the Names, 
in writing with a Promise to send them as soon as I could get at my 
Papers — He likewise alledged that the Person who had the former 
Direction of our Prisoners, was gone to New York & therefore he 
could not give me the Names, but the next morning would also give 
me an Estimate of the Numbers — As these returns were no part of the 
agreement relative to the Exchange we proceeded to settle the Busi- 
ness, but night approaching, and M/r Ferguson wanting to consult his 
Superiors on the nature of the Parole to be settled, he returned to the 
City, with a positive Promise to meet me next Morning at Ten 
°Clock at the same Place — The next morning I attended accordingly, 
and after waiting till half past Three in the afternoon and my Busi- 
ness requiring my presence at Camp that Evening, I left the Lines, and 
have not heard from him since on the Subject, except by Billet dated 
the same Evening, wherein he mentions the making the returns as a 
New Conditions of the Exchange & apologising for his delay— -I have 
since sent him the returns as far as in my Power; but the Exchange 
cannot by any means reach you, as they do not take off all the fort 
Washington Prisoners— I have ordered aI1 full Supplies to be sent in 
from the lower Counties, I mean of flower &c — which will be delivered 
to M/r Thomas Franklin my Agent in Philadelphia — If M/r Ferguson 
put a failure of the Exchange on the want of returns, it was not a Con- 
dition contained in the agreement w/h General Washington — I forgot 
to mention, that I was refuser! admittance into the City, notwithstand- 

246 






#^~ <# £*>*• &s 2~~y> 



X,; feA 7 — / X~-^ ■"««- •"*-' A ~~ / 



K 



l'.irt of .i li-ttcr of Col. Blias Boudinot to I.l. Col, Frazer, then :i prisoner of war in Pliiladelphia 
Fifty-six hundreths, lineal ineasuretiient, of the original. 



ing the Encouragement given l>y Gen/1 Howe's Letter for that Pur- 
pose — 

Whatever is in my Power to accomplish towards making - your Im- 
prisonment comfortable, you may depend shall be done — 

I am Sir Your very Hble Serv/t 

Elias Boudinot 
Com Gen/1 of Prisoners 
To 
Coll. Percival Frazier 

Prisoner of War 

Philadelphia 



January 1 8. 1778. 

Jan/ 18/th 1778 
Dr Co/' 

I much Surpriz'd to hear you are in Close Confinment 
especialy when I Consider that the Gentlemen on the other side of the 
Question are treated by us with so much tenderness and humanity; 
Pray do you stand in Need of any assistance in my Power only com- 
mand: Your Friends of my acquaintance are exceedingly Anxious 
for you 

M/rs Frazer, I have hear'd a few Days was well — Pray let me hear 
from you by first opp/t. 

I am D/r Co/1 your most Obed t 

Hble Ser/t 
Sam Kennedy 
Lieu/t 

Co/1 Persifor Frazer 
Philadelphia 



January 21. 1778. 

Philadelphia goal January 21/st 177S 
Sir 

When we presume to address your Excellency be Assured it 
Cannot Arise from a trival affair humanity is the subject which we wish 
to dwell on & when that Amiable Quality is mentioned who can doubt 
that M/rs Gray is the Lady who amply has display'd that part of the 
grand scenery of Life which Shee was born for tK: which will Ever be 
indiliably impress/d in the Obliged Hearts 

If individuals Confind in this place seperately Could relate Con- 
sively the tributes of thanks due for Each particular favour sheets of 

247 



Paper must your Excel/ read to know what this Lady has done but 
not to intrude on your Excellencys Precious moments give us Leive 
to say shee has done all that mortal well Could do in Providing Every 
necessary in her Power and liberty at her own Cost for the Prisoners — 
We remain your Excel/lc most Obedient 
Humble Serv/ts 

To his Excell/cy General Washington 

Mrs. Gray's devotion to the suffering soldiers is alluded to in a letter of Dr. 
McKinly, dated Nov. 25, 1788, near the end of this chapter. Mrs. George Gray was 
probably the lady from whose husband's family Gray's Ferry is named. 



January 24. 1778 

M/r Ferguson presents Comp/ts to Colonel Frazer, and has no ob- 
jection to Colonel Frazer giving M/r Bell a few Lines to procure him 
a safe passage through the Enemies lines to Chester. 
24/th Jany 1778 



January 31. 1778 

Market Street Jan/y 31/st. 1778. 

Sir 

I Some time ago Deliver'd some shirts to the Bearer to wash, 
& there was one which she Could never give any acc/t of Untill this 
day when She brought me a Shirt, which she said she got from 
Col/1 Frazer and S/d she believ'd to be mine, & upon my Examina- 
tion I Declare upon my Honour that I realy believe it be my property 
as it is Exactly the Same sort of Linen & the same Size of the Rest 
of my Shirts, therfore hopes that y/e permitt the bearer to Carry it to 
me — I have the Hon/r S/r to remain Y/rs &c 

B Finegan 

Ens/n 16/th Reg/t of Foot 
Lieu/t — (torn) 

Dr. J. VV. Jordan was unable to find a record of this officer's name among the 
British army lists. 

248 



February 7. 1 7~8( ?) 

Sir, 

In answer to your Letter of this Date concerning a 
Horse which you say was left in my Care. 1 am to inform you That I 
am totally ignorant of every Circumstance of the Matter, & have no 
Horses hut what I brought from New York with me 

I am 

Sir your most obed 
Philad/a 7/th Feb/y humble Serv/t 

Robert Mackenzie 
M/r Frazer 

M r Frazer 
at M/rs Kivers's in Arch Street 
next to Major Gwyn 1 6/th Dragoons 

Francis Edward Gwyn 16th Light Dragoons (the Queen's) commissioned Aug 
5th, 1775; Lt. Col. aoth Light Dragoons May 5. 1779; Col. Oct. 19, 178 ~>, A. D. C. to 
the King; Maj. Gen. Dec. 20, 1793; Lt. Gen. Jan. 10. [799. 



February 23. 1778 

Sir Salem 23/d Feb/y. 1778 — 

You are to pass up the River with your Boats, and hum 
all the Hay along the shore from Billings Port to this Place, taken an 
acc/t of the Persons Names to whom it belongs together with the 
Quantity — On one John Kellys place at the Mouth of Rackoon Creek, 
there is near one hundred tons and up Mantua Creek there is a Con- 
siderable Quantity — it is his Excellencies wish to deprive the Enemy 
from Receiv/g the Benefitt of the Forage, and at the same time for 
such persons as are friends to this Country — to receive a recompense 
at a future day — for altho, it is a Maxim That Private property must 
be sacrificed to Publick Good — yet it is not his Excellencys Intention 
to Distress The Individual for The benefit of The Publick; but when 
Prudency & Policy, joined to necessaty will Justify The Measure — 
and not even Then, but with a full Intent that Restitution be made to 
that Individual — 

You will by The first oppertunity Transmitt to Head Quarters, the 
Names of the Persons, together with the Quantity of Forage belong. 
to each that you may have distroyed, persuant t.> this order — By his 
Excellencys Comm/d Ant y Wayne B G 

On Publick Service 
Cap/t Barry 
at 

Salem 

249 



This order was addressed to Captain, afterwards the first Com- 
modore of the United States Navy, John Barry, whose statue is to 
adorn Independence Square, Philadelphia. 

Barry at the time of the British naval attack in force on Red Bank 
by the Roe Buck and other vessels had saved his fleet of "frigates," 
including the "Effingham" his flagship, by running up the Delaware 
to Burlington. That portion of the American fleet "south of Market 
Street" had gone down the river. About the beginning of the year 
1778 Barry ran the gauntlet of the British fleet at Philadelphia in the 
night, and' carried his boats to Fort Penn in the lower Delaware. 
Here, in February, he captured the "Mermaid" and "Kitty" loaded 
with forage and stores for the British Army. He also captured by 
boarding the armed tender "Alert" which belied her name, for with 
twenty seven men he drove one hundred and sixteen armed Officers 
and men into the hold, and secured the hatches. 

The order of Gen. Wayne was dated Feb. 23. 1778 and in a letter to 
General Washington of Feb. 26. 1778 (published in Griffin's life of 
Barry) the Commodore gives the following account of his action. 

Sir Feb. 26. 1778 

According to the orders of Gen. Wayne I have destroyed the 
Forage from Mantua Creek to this Place the Quantity Destroyed is 
about Four Hundred Tons and should have Proceeded farther had 
not a Number of the Enemies Boats appeared in Sight and Lining the 
Jersey Shore Deprived us of the Opportunity of Proceeding Farther 
on the same purpose. Shall Remit to Your Excellency the Names of 
the Persons Whose property was Destroyed and Likewise the Quan- 
tity of Each have thought Proper to Detain four of Your men to 
assist in getting the Boats away as some of My Men are Rendered 
Incapable of Proceeding thro Fatigue. But shall again Remit by the 
first Order if Your Excellency having no further Occasion for the Re- 
maining Part of the Detachment under My Command have thought 
proper to Discharge them & am Sir with Due Respect Your Ex- 
cellency's 

Most Humble Servant 

John Barry 
Captain Barry remained two months on the river destroying forage 
& provisions. 



March 6. 1778 

Sir 

I now acknowledge the receipt of Your Letter p/r Cap/t M/c 
Culloch, and do entreat You to believe, that, I am most sensibly mor- 

250 



tilled at not waiting; on You before this your second Letter. I will 
Sir, certainly wait on You tomorrow, when, 1 will chearfully pay with 
Interest the small Sum which You say is due to Your Fathers Estate. 

I am Sir 

James Chalmers 
Lieu/t Col/o Commandant First Batt/n 

Maryland Loyalists 
Col/o Fraser 
Everlys Banks Skuylkill March 6/th 1778. 

To 
Persifer Fraser Esq/r 

John Chalmers was a loyalist of Maryland. 1 1 i ^ corps was in service till 1782, 
but of no great strength in numbers. He went to England. < hi .1 voyage of this 
corps to St. John's N. B., the vessel was wrecked ana half were lost 



April 12. 1778. 

Cross Roads April 12/th 1778 
Dear Frazer — 

1 most heartily congratulate you on your fortunate 
escape, I shou'd be happy had I it in my power to take you by the 
Hand, this pleasure, I trust, I shall soon enjoy, as it is my determina- 
tion to return to my Duty & Command as soon as possible — 

When I last left Camp I did intend to spend some time in Virginia 
either at the Hot Springs, or on the Sea Coast for the Recovery of 
my health, w/h was greatly impair'd during the Winter by a very 
malignant fever — But as I collect health cv Spirits apace I shall regu- 
late my Motions accordingly — 

1 wrote several Letters to you during your Captivity, perhaps they 
did not reach you, else I shou'd certainly have ree'd some in return 
from you — 

My Dear friend you will infinitely oblige me by writing me p/r first 
opportunity a Detail of your sufferings. &c since you unfortunately 
fell into the Enemies power — 

I am D/r Frazer 

Ever your's &c 

F : Johnston 
To 
Lieutenant Col/ 1 Frazer 
Col/1 Delany 5/th P: Regiment 

at Camp 

251 



June 3. 1778. 

Shanks June 3/d 1778. 
Dear Colonel 

I am Sorry to Inform you that it is out of my power 
to Return to Camp as soon as I proposed I have not found any Relief 
for the pain in my Brast from what medicine I have yet taken and the 
Cough that I had Seems to Increase — but that is not what keeps me 
beyond the time I proposed Comming in My Wife is Taken Very 111 
before I Left Camp which I never heard till I Came to Neshamina I 
must beg Leave to stay a few Days till I See Some alteration in her — 
I have sent Wilson to Camp to D/r Davidson for medicine and would 
be Very Clad if the Doctor Could be Spared so Long as to Ride out — 
you will oblidge me by Giving Wilson Leave of absence to Return — 
Give my Compliments to Cap/t Bartholomew Cap/t Boud & all the 
Gentlemen of the Reg/t. — I am With Greatest Regard & Esteem your 
obedient Serv/t John Bartley 

Lt Col/o 

Persifor Frazer 

S/th Penns/a Reg/t 



Pass issued from Headquarters at Valley Forge. 

June 14. 1778. 

Permit Col/o Frazer, Major Williams and Doc/r Wellford to pass the 
Guards. 

By his Excellency's Command 

Tench Tilghman 
(torn) — ad Quarters 
(torn) — ley Forge 14/th June 1778 



June 22. (?) 1778 

Dear Frazer — 

It is likely we shall march tomorrow Morning 
early — the night being rather damp and disagreeable, I shall be under 
the necessity of sleeping with General Wayne — I shall be obliged to 
you, if you will order Lard to pack up all my things in the Waggon 



252 



dy Wa/ r^U jk '•&* *fe4^s **?<*ry ^ 



uc*~ 




OrJer in the handwriting; of Baron <le Kall>. Sixty-one huiulreths, lineal measurement, of the original 



except the Portmanteau & those things w li Peter has the charge of. 

these you will please to order Peter to bring here immediately to- 
gether with the Sorrel horse & forage if he has any — 

1 am I )ear Frazer 
(torn) — ne 22/d 1778 Your's &c/a 

F: Johnston 

N.B. Please to inform the 1 Ifficers, that nothing can be done touch- 
ing v e arrangement till Gen 1 Reed comes to Camp, as soon as he 
comes 1 shall state their Complaints before him — 

F : Johnston 
To 
Frazer 
Regiment 
Pres/t 
Colonel 



JulyS. 1778. 

A quantity of Forage being Orderd to Paramus, the person in 
Charge thereof is to issue to the Detachment now marching for there 
til they Join the Army — 

— M/r Kelly at Sluterdam is to direct some Forage there tomorrow 
to serve til the next Day — 
Newark 8 July 1778 Clement Biddle 

Paramus is now a hamlet of Bergen County. N. J. two miles from Rochelle Park. 

Sluturdam is probably Slauterdam a po I office address in Passaic County near 
Passaic, N. J. The order is in the handwriting <>f the signer, who was the deputy 
Quartermaster of the "flying tamp." 



JulyS. 1778. 

Agreeable to the Commands of His Excellency General Washing- 
ton, the Second Re°; t first Pensilvania Brigade & the /th Reg t 
Second Brigade of Said State of Pennsilvania, are ordered to march 
this Evening from Newarck Camp at seven o'Clock to arrive to mor- 
row in the forenoon if Possible at Peramus church Where they will 
wait for Lord Stirlings Orders: 

Given at Head Quarters at Newarck July 8/th 1778. 

The Baron deKalb. 
In the handwriting of Baron deKalb. 

253 



July 17. 1778. 

Dear Frazer — 

I have stood a very severe attack of a billious fever 
and inflammatory Rheumatism in conjunction — 

My little Citadel had like to have surrender'd, but I luckily receiv'd 
timely succour from a youth descended from the great Esculapius. 

He completely counteracted and baffled the attempts of old Gen- 
eral Death — I think I am now partly out of his Clutches, at least for a 
Season — 

I am still extremely weak & by the advice of my Physician must not 
join the Regiment till better recruited — I propose to go to Bristol & 
in order to use the Mineral Water there as soon as possible I shall re- 
turn to you — 

You will oblige me by giving a particular charge to Molly B — s to 
take care of my things. 

I have a little Tea in my Portmantau w/h Capt/n Christie purchas'd, 
I have no opportunity of sending it on — As soon as one offers I shall 
send it you — 

I shall endeavor to purchase as many necessaries as possible — 
I expect to be order'd to Philad/a in Hartley's room — with our 
Reg/t 

My best respects to all my Officers 
I am Dear Sir 

Ever Your's &c 
Brunswick Fr Johnston 

July 17/th 1778 

Lieut/t Colonel P: Frazer 
5/th Penn/a Regiment 
Camp 

At that period Bristol, Pa., possessed a mineral spring of supposed curative 
virtues, and was considered a watering place. 



I 77 8 (?) 

Dear Frazer 

The situation you saw me in will justify my not 
lying in Camp tonight — I was so infernally wet that I was oblig'd to 
strip myself in the first house y/t offer'd, I very fortunately hit upon 
one opposite y/e encampment of the i/st Brigade, where Col: Cham- 
bers is likewise quarter'd ; I cou'd find no convenient house near our 
Brigade, save Woodford's quarters, else I shou'd have been nearer 
you — If. you will come down this way, you will fare not amiss, we have 
a good house, room enough good food & drink &c&c — 

254 



— if you cannot conic with convenience, make use of any Article in 
my baggage Waggon y/t you shall require — 

I shou'd be glad yon wou'd give pointed orders to the Waggoners 
to provide Grass enough for the horses, & forage, if to be procur'd — 

— if there are any sick men it wou'd not be amiss, to order the Q r 
Master to get some Straw for them to ly on — pray come if possible — 

I am D/ r Frazer 

Your's &c 

F. Johnston 
P.S. My Comp/lm to Seely and Bartholomew, tell y, m to sleep in 
the Market if they please. 
Saturday 



5 o Clock P.M. 



To 

L/t Colonel Frazer 
Pres/t 



1778 (?) 

General Orders — 

Colonels and Commanding Officers of Corps 
must cause their Regimental Paymasters to make up their Pay Ab- 
stracts to the i/st of this Month, and order them to attend at the Pay- 
master General's for the Money, proper attention to the General Or- 
ders of this Nature issued on the 21/st last Month, wou'd not only 
have removed the Complaints of the Soldiers for want of their Pay, 
too frequently made to the Commander in Chief, but wou'd have saved 
them much trouble in settling their Accounts for Money drawn on 
Account — 

The most punctual Obedience must be paid to this Order, No ex- 
cuse for Delay will or can be admitted — 

Geo Washington 
Command/r in Chief 



July 19. 1778 
Dear Frazer 

By my friend M/r Buchannan I have sent you what 

remains of the Tea, 1 dare say you want it 1 shall soon supply you 

with more, as well as other Articles — 

I have escap'd the Clutches of old Death with great difficulty — 

I stood a narrow squeak — for near 48 hours it was a moot point 

whether I shou'd live or die — 

255 



I thank God my Disorder is broke, but I am still shatter'd & weak — 
I shall soon return to you — Inform Gen/1 Wayne I wrote to him some 
Days since, perhaps he has not receiv'd y/e Letter- — I am now at 
Princeton & shall proceed so far as Philad/a as soon as I gain suffi- 
cient strength — My best respects to my Officers, inform them I shall 
not neglect them — 

I am D/r Frazer 
Princeton Ever Your's &c 

July 19/th 1778. F: Johnston 

P.S. By all means write to me pr first Opportunity — F. J 

To 

Lieut/t Col : P : Frazer 

5/th P: Regiment 

Camp 



Probably White Plains about July 24 1778 

Dear Frazer — 

I did not intend to write to you by this opp/y ; being 
much press'd and hurryed with business, under this Idea I desir'd 
Stuart to apoligize for my not writing — but finding a leisure moment 
& ever willing to embrace it, I must trouble you with a Line — 

Our Line & the Carolinians only remain on this Ground — the other 
Troops with Gates's Winer have march'd Eastward — De Estaing it is 
apprehend'd, is the Object — I pray Heaven he may be secure, how- 
ever I think we have nothing to fear, there are or soon will be at 
least 14,000 Cont/1 Troops in that Quarter — 

We shall march within a Week, where I know not, 'tis likely East- 
ward. D/r Frazer I have been obliged at length to part with Peter, 
he is this moment gone to his Company, pray send me Andrew as soon 
as you can spare him — do not think I mean to hurry you in this mat- 
ter, but believe me there is not one man in y/e Reg/t fit for the pur- 
pose of a Waiter — 

My best Respects to M/rs Frazer 

& believe Me Ever Your's &c 
F: Johnston 

P. S. I trust I shall be with you in a few Days — F. J. 

To 
L/t Col. Frazer 
L/t Col Robinson Chester County 

256 



July 25. 1778. 

Dear Frazer 

I lay at Brunswick three Weeks in a deplorable 
situation, the necessaries of Life were exceedingly scarce there, & 
even Medicine would have fail'd me, had it not been for a worthy 
young Surgeon belonging to the Hospital — His great Care & 
Assiduity undoubtedly sav'd me. 

By his Advice I retreated as far as Philad/a apprehending that 
necessaries wou'd be there in greater abundance, this was the case, 
but they were infernally dear — 

I thank God, I am now much better & trust I shall soon be with 
you — 

The bearer Lieut t M 'c Cullock has the command of a small party 
of Recruits & four Rascals belonging to the Reg/t whose Crimes you 
will examine & punish — Pray desire Lieut t Forbbes to write me in 
the most particular manner what became of the Articles w/h he drew 
for my Reg t. I think his presence here wou'd be necessary — Unless 
those things w/h he drew are now with the Reg/t I shall conclude that 
he has transacted matters in a very disorderly way & thus he has de- 
voted his time to pleasure more than Business — 

Until 1 am inform'd of this Cloathing w/h he drew, I can obtain 
nothing for the Regiment- — 

You will likewise please to let me know what things Capt n Seely 
procur'd for the Mess, otherwise I shall not have it in my power to 
know what we stand in need of. 

My best Respects to my worthy officers, tell them I shall soon be 
with them again. & shall endeavor to bring on some I.innen & 1 have 
made a damn'd Rumpus about Broadhead's Conduct in regard to our 
Cloathing — T have carri'd out business for the Council — 

For God's sake, write me by the earliest Opportunity & let me know 
how our Operations tend — 

My best respects to Gen/1 Wayne, who is universally belov'd by the 
Whiggs here & fear'd by the Tories — desire him to write to me & in- 
close his Commands 

I am D/r Frazer 

with y/e greatest respect 
Philad/a Ever Yours 

July 25/th 1778 F: Johnston 

P.S. Since I wrote you the above, I find Doct/r Hutchinson, will be 
in Camp much sooner than M/cCulloch, & therefore have sent you 
this bv him — 

To 
Lieut/t Col/1 P : Frazer 

5/th P: Reg/t 
Camp 
257 



July2 9 . 17/8. 

Camp 29 July 1778 
Sir 

David Rees informs me he was formerly a Soldier in your Reg/t 
that he was taken by the Enemy at Brandywine afterw/ds enlisted 
with them & deserted from them. He was lately hired at Philad/a 
as a Waggon Driver & is now come forward in that Service. As we 
cannot hire a sufficient number of Teamsters otherwise we are obliged 
to draw Soldiers out of the Line for that Purpose, and as those who 
have been accustomed to the Business are more suitable than others, 
I should be glad, if you can with Propriety, that you would permit 
this Man to continue a Waggon Driver, which will save the drawing 
another Soldier in his Room 

I am Sir 

your most hum/ Serv/t 

Chas Pettit 
A Q M Gen/1 
Col. Frazer 

Colonel Frazer 
5 Penns/a Reg/t 



August 5. 1778. 

Sir/ 

I inform you that a Certain George Gath who enlisted last 
Febry. in Cap/tn Boud's Comp. is my indented Servant and is not 
free to the 14/th of this Instant I shall not follow him for the Time 
adjudged upon him for his absenting himself from my service; pro- 
vided that I am paid for the Time he had to serve when he left me — I 
want not to take him from the Service although his Time to me would 
(torn) very profitable as I can not find a Hand (torn) Business I kept 
him at — as it is in your (torn) to pay me or to send me the s/d George 
Gath I (torn) you by M/r Reeth who I impowr to Receive (torn) Price 
or to Bring me the Boy — 

My Charge is £ 45 — o 

from Sir your very hum : Serv/t 
Augs/t 5/th 1778 Patterson Bell 

To 

Colo. Francis Johnston 

or the Commanding Officer 

of the 5/th Pennsy/lva Reg/nt 

258 



August 13. 1778(F) 

Much Respected Sir. I am happy to hear you are better and wish 
you may continue so — 1 receiv'd your welcome supply the Veal I 
mean and shall with Collonel/s Chambers and Hay about one OClock 
return the proper thanks due so great a Benefactor — the articles you 
sent for you will receive with my good wishes for your recovery — the 
Gentlemen Above mentioned and 1 purpose waiting Upon you this 
Evening and hope to have it in our power to Congratulate you Upon 
the intire reduction of Road Island as report now says — my adven- 
tures throw this storm 1 shall also give you an Acc/t of pray have 
some Cool watter in the house 

V/rs Christ/r Stuart 
Camp August 13/ Coll/o P Frazer 



Probably 177S 

Sir 

You will send the Serjant who came from Philad/a immediaty 
to Head Quarters, as it is his Excellencies orders to see him — • 

Y/rs &c 
Monday mrg 

Ben. Fishbourne A. D. C. 
To Colo. Frazier — 
or the Officer Comm/g 
5 Penns/a Reg/t 

(Benjamin Fishbourne was Pay Master 2. Pa. Bat., Oct. 2, '76, Capt. 4. Pa. Jan. 
3. '77, and Aide de Camp to Gen. Wayne) 



August 17. 1778. 

Phila. August 17/th 1778 — 

Dear Sir I make So free as to trouble you with a few Lines in be 
half of my Rank as I Cannot possably attend my Self it being Such a 
distance and Going on Such an Uncertainty but make no Doubt but 
you will and Every Other Gentleman Officer in The Reg/t Do Their 
indeavurs for me to keep my Rank in the Reg t as I think it is a mater 
that may Very well be disputed Concerning major Ryans Coming into 
the Regt after his other apointmens Neighther had he Ever a comision 

259 



in the Reg/t higher Than a Second Lieut where as I have had a first 
Liet Comison in it 

The Commitee is Coming This Week to Camp to Settle the Rank of 
all officers I Therefore Sir would be Glad of your assistance in my be- 
half please To Give my Kind Complyments to all the office/rs of The 
Reg/t 

I am dear Sir yours to Serve 

' Cha/s M/c Henry 



August 24. 1778 

D/r Colonel 

I am extremely oblid'd to you for your note by 
Andrew ; I should have gone to see you this afternoon but am much 
fatigued ; tomorrow I shall certainly wait upon you — I am sorry I have 
no Letters for you nor News, yet I have many things to relate to you 
w/h will give you satisfaction. 

From my Circumstances while in Penn/a I could not possibly hear 
from your family, therefore cannot give you any satisfaction on that 
head — 

I am D. Col. 
Aug/t 24th 1778 Ever Your's &c 

F Johnston 
L/t Col. Frazer 
5/th P. Reg/t 

This was one of those failures to call upon the family of a brother officer to 
which Mrs. Frazer refers several times rather caustically. 



August 29. 1778. 

D/r Coll 

thier is a General Order that returns be made of the 
Officers names and rank Serving Since the first of 1777 in Conse- 
quence of that and the Commit s of Arangments being Shortly to fall 
Upon our busness there are larg Chains Making for Rank in Our line 
Colls Harmer and North will disput with Hubly with no greater Right 
than you I am perswead'd Cap/t Bartholomew will Also make his 
Cliam as the Return will Soon be Called for — Coll Johnston has Slept 
one Night at home and is now at the Sawpitts with the rest of the 
Quality Wayne Stuart & Robinson have mov.d there bagage down my 
master will soon follow the Example I beleive 

I am with Respect y/rs &c C. Stuart 
August 29/th 1778. 
To Coll P: Frazer 

260 



September I. 1778. 

Gentlemen 

It is with reluctance that I add to the many com- 
plaints that are laid before you. relating to Rank in the Pennsylv/a 
Line, 1 am conscious that it will he difficult to give Satisfaction to 
every one, considering how matters have hitherto been conducted. 
And have no doubt but that you will do ample Justice to all as far as 
circumstances will admit — 

I think 1 am injur'd, in that Col/o Walter Steward is at present my 
Senior in Rank — referring to our Commissions as Captains I am far 
before him — 

The Congress thought proper to give him the Rank of Lieu/t Col- 
onel in November 1776. My Commission as Lieu/t Colonel qives me 
Rank from the first day of October preceeding his appointment — 

Before the arrangem/t of the Board of Gen/1 Officers last Cam- 
paign 1 had precedency of Colonels Rich/d & Will/m Butler by my 
Commission, that Board detennin'd very justly that they should take 
rank of me, which 1 chearfully acquiesced in — 1 only mention this 
Shews that it is not from a Cavilling disposition that 1 trouble you at 
this time. 

I have the Honor to be with 
due Esteem 
Your most Ob/t Serv/t 
To the Honble Commtee P F 

of Arangement 

White Plains Sep. i/st 1778 

The injustice here complained of was one of the principal causes which induced 
Col. Frazer to resign from the Army the following month. 



September 2. 1778. 
Sir 

It is now upwards of Six Months since any thing certain has 
been heard from you — You must know you have faild in point of duty 
in not sending forward your recruits if you have any or otherwise not 
joining the Regiment You are therefore imediately to make the best 
of your way to Camp w/th the Men you may haw. having first sel ■ 
tied your acc/ts w/th the Lieutenants of the County & have the 
money to pay off the Bounty, if you should fail you will certainly be 
struck off the List of Officers — 

I am Sir Your Hble Serv/t 
Pers/r Frazer L Col/o Command/g 5/th P. R. 
Camp White plains 
Septem/r 2/nd 1778 

Lieu/t Levi Griffith 5/th Pens/a Reg/t Chester County 
Lieu/t Forbes 

261 



September 6. 1778. 

Dear Col/o you are forthwith to repair to Camp by Col/o Johnston 
Express Command on sight of this at your peral fail not as you shall 
be Accountable for Non Compliance — you are to Asist in setleirg the 
Rank of the Officers in Our Reg/t my Compliments to Cap/t B ! B am 
y/rs &cc 

Christ/r Stuart 
Sunday Morning 
Sep/r 6/th 1778— 

Col/o Frazer 

There is always a touch of waggery in Capt Stuart's communications. 



September 1 i/th ( ?) 1778 

Dear Frazer 

I shou'd be glad you wou'd make out a Return 
of the Officers of my Reg/t who were left out at Valley Forge — you 
will likewise please to inform the Brigade Major that he must call on 
the other Commanding Officers for a similar Return — the Returns are 
to have a private Mark to such Officers who are really unfit for the 
Army, if there are any such — 

F : Johnston 
Sept/r 11/th (?) 1778. 

L/t Colo. Frazer 
To the 
Honorable Committee of 
Arrangement 



September 26. 1778. 

Gen/1 Wayne's most Respectful Compliments waits on Colonels 
Johnston & Frazer Major Stewart & Cap/t Bartholomew & begs the 
favour of their Company to dine with him to day on a saddle of good 
Mutton 

Saturday Morning 
9 O Clock 26/th Sep/r 1778 

Colo/s Johnston 
& Frazer 

In Gen. Wayne's handwriting. 

262 




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bo 



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<v 'C 
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o g 

a « 

o u 

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i7/8(?) 
General Washingtons Compliments wait on Col/o Fraizer beg the 
favour of his Company at dinner to day at 3 °clock 

Friday Morning 

Col/o Fraizer 
5/th Pensv/la 

In the handwriting of Win Grayson A. D. C. to Gen Washington 



Col. Frazer evidently sent in his resignation to General Washington 
through Gen. Wayne, his commanding officer. This document and 
its acceptance (if such were in the form of a letter from the Com- 
mander-in-Chief) have not been preserved among Gen. Frazer's 
papers, hut endorsed on the hack of his commission as Lt. Col. is the 
following note : 

Head quarters Fishkill o/th October 1778. 
Lieut. Col. Frazier having at his own request desired liberty to quit 
the Service, His resignation is hereby accepted. 

By His Excellency's command 

Tench Tilghman 

The crowning reward of a brave soldier's career is contained in this 
letter written and signed by his immediate commanding officer and life 
long friend, Gen. Wayne. 

*Fredricksburg 13/th Oct/r 1778 
Oct. 13. 1778 
Dear Sir 

Its with real Concern that I part with a Gen- 
tleman — who has more than shared the Dangers and 
fatigues of War thus far with me 

But as you must have Maturely Considered the mat- 
ter previous to your Resignation — I can only wish you 
a safe arrival and a happy sight of your expecting 
friends 

At the same time I can't help expressing my Regreat, 
at the loss of An Officer who in every Vicisitude of for- 
tune, and upon every Occation has proved himself the 
friend of his Country — the Gentleman and the Soldier 

Adieu my Dear Sir and believe me with every Senti- 
ment of Esteem yours 

most affectionately 

Anty Wayne 
Lieu/t Col/o Frazer 



♦Then Dutchess, now Putnam Co. N. Y. 

263 



May 2. 1779. 

Flat Lands. Long Island, May 2/d 1779 
Sir/ 

I have been much surpriz,d at your long silence, and 
thought It verey Extrordinary that you never Deign, d to answer aney 
of the letters I wrote you since I Came to this place, nor was I able 
to account for the Reason, till the arival of M/r Stotesbury, Who to 
my Great astonishment told me that you Inform, d him, that, I had 
used you extreamly 111, in saying some Disrespectfull things of you ; 
What they were or who was your Author for them, I Cant devise, but, 
thus far I am Certain, and do declare upon my honour that I never had 
even a disrespectful Thought of you, much more to speak So — 

I hope it will be shortly in my power to Convince you that there is 
not the least particle of truth in the Information, and to bring the 
Informer to an Account for so Notorious and Injurious a stigma. 
Therefore hope you will till then, suspend my condemnation and with- 
hold your Resentment from the Inocent and Helpless If I had 

ever taken any liberties of Speaking to the prejudice of your Charac- 
ter, It would most undoubtedly been heard by some of the Gentlemen 
belonging to the room where you left me, Who I am Certain to a man 
will declare to the Reverse, and that when ever I have been heard to 
speak of you it was in the most Respectfull and friendly manner, Any 
language from my mouth that bore the least Resemblance of the 
Charge would in me be ungratefull to the last degree — 

I was much hurt when I heard it, as it was so foreign from my senti- 
ments and it has Given me some uneasiness, but I have taken the lib- 
erty of sending this as a Testimony of my Real Regard which pleas to 
Except as a truce till I see you and blieve to be sincearly 

Your Most Ob/t 
In perfect health Hutnb Ser/t 

John Harper 
To Col/o Percifer Frazer 

( Col/o Hanums Chest in the hands of M/r Tames 

Memorandum J T 1 73 • , « • .< r , 

in a foreign hand \ J- eac ' er at Bristol in the forage department says 

I Doct/r Hendry 

Exam/d Com/y Pris/rs Office New York 

To 
Colo/ Percifer Frazer 
Favoured by Thornbury Township Chester County 

Mr Ward Pennsylvania 

To be left at the Sign of the Waggon Market Street Philada. 

"Conestoga Wagon," L e. Mrs. Jenkins' inn. 

264 



In the Journal of the Military Expedition of General Sullivan, be- 
gun July 31. 1779 &c, edited by Frederick Cook Secretary of State, 
Auburn, N. Y., 1887, appears on page 315 the following- Roster of 
Officers. 

Major General John Sullivan 
William Pierce 

Capt. Jonathan Dayton 

„ .• AJ tt ' Aides de Camp. 

Maj. Adam Hoopes l ' 

Nicholas Van Cortland ) 

Col. Cornelius Sheriff Dep. Q. M. G. 

Lt. Col. Persifer Frazier Dep. Com. Gen. 

Sec on this subject comments in the Preface 



Col. Frazer was appointed Cloathier General by Congress July 15, 
1779. See letter of John Jay, dated July 17. 1779. enclosing extracts 
from the minutes of Congress by Chas. Thomson, Secretary. 



The following rough draft of a declination, undated and unsigned, 
but in Col. Frazer's handwriting, is among his papers. 

To the Honorable the Congress of the United States of America 
The Memorial of Persifor Frazer 

Most respectfully Sheweth 

That your Memorialist shall ever retain the highest sence of the 
Confidence repos'd in him by your honorable Body in his — appoint- 
ment to the important trust of Clothier General, — however arduous 
the undertaking in comparison to his Abilities, he would have hop'd 
that a close attention to the dutys of his employment would have in 
some Measure compensated for the defects he might be liable to — 
But your Memorialist from a strict enquiry into the Expences that 
will necessarily and unavoidably attend an honest and faithful dis- 
charge of his duty is convinced the Salary annex'd to the appoint- 
ment is by no means Equal thereto, exclusive of any compensation for 
his trouble. — And as he has since the commencement of the War, 
Spent almost the whole of his time in the Public Service, without any 
advantage to himself except the honor of having done it, — He hopes 

265 



those considerations will apologize for his declining so honorable an 
appointment, which he will be under the necessity of doing though 
with regret unless a more adequate compensation can be allow'd, as 
the whole of his time will be engaged therein. 

with the most perfect Sentiments of duty and esteem your Memorialist 
Submits these hints to the candid determination of your honorable 
House and remains their 

most devoted Servant 



No date. Probably between 1778 & 1782 
My D/r Col. Philad/a Sun (torn) 

I have been spoke — (torn) — by so- — (torn) our 
friends to purchase a considerab — (torn) — tity of Flour for the Pub- 
lick, in conse — (torn) of w/h I would have done myself the pleasure 
of visiting you to day, had not M/rs Henrys Indispositi — (torn) — 
evented- — 1 am to receive a Commissio — (torn) — the purchase, & in- 
tended to have offer — (torn)— If of it — The Qunatity will be consider- 
able — but the commission not yet ascertaind — I have sent Thorn to 
acquaint you of the above, & beg that you will write me fully by him, 
if necessary I will be at your house, or Chester to morrow Evening, 
should you not receive this time enough for to return an Answer by 
Thorn for to Morrow I will meet you at Chester on Tuesday at anv 
time of the day you please — be explicit & full in your Answer, as it 
will be the rule of my Conduct — 

Your friend — 

George Henry — 

Comp/ts to M/rs Frazer — & be silent on the above Subject 'till I see 
you — 

, . , j Regimental 

Ins.de page \ p apers 

Addressed 

Colonel Persifor Frazer 

Chester County 

266 



August 15. 1779. 

Dear Sir, West Point August 15, tli 1779 

I have long wished to write to you bu1 so seldom are the 
oppertunitys and convenience that 1 have deferred it till this time. 

I have a matter of importance to communicate and shall be exceed- 
ingly obliged to yon for your advice as I think you most capable of 
any of my Friends on the subject. The Army from many circum- 
stances has grown almost disagreeable to me, I believe I have served 
my Country, intentionally as honest and punctual as most, in the dif- 
ferent Ranks I have held: but necessity and the pleadings of a fond 
Wife as well as my Country when this Campaign is ended I shall have 
served my Tour of the War. still I have several objections to leaving 
the service, and when I do it will be with reluctance. I should be 
glad to see the end of the War. That I entered early into. The future 
provision that is made for us is more encouragement to serve, hut at 
present the horrid depreciation of our money, and the little stock 1 
had at the beginning exhausted makes it necessarj to enter into some 
business as it is impossible to support the station with that credit it 
requires, Should the war last two or three Campaigns more, which by 
the bye is not impossible I shall make but a poor appearance. 1 have 
wrote to you very freely and shall he much obliged to you for your ad- 
vice as much so, Should 1 he so happy as to hear from you 1 shall then 
trouble you on another subject. 

1 will change the subject and tell you what a tiresom situation we 
have here constantly on fatigue and cannot tell you when we -hall 
have the works compleated they are so extensive. I wish something 
may turn up to move from this place, A Board of Gen/1 ( )fficers sat 
some time ago to determine who were Justifiable in making their es- 
cape from the Enemy. A number of them must he in very unhappy 
situations either to go hack, or to be published in the papers as men 

Void of honor in which Dilemma I believe our Col n is involved, 

all your Friends here are well Make my Compliments to M rs Frazer 
and Friends 

I am Dear Sir with the utmost 
Esteem and affection 
Your most Obedient 
Humble Servant 

W m Williams 

William Williams was Capt. 1st Pa. Bat. Oct. 27, '75; M.ij. j.l Pa. March 7. '77. 
Taken prisoner Gcrmantown Oct. 4. '77: exch. April jo. '78; Col. 3d Pa. June 18, '78; 
resigned Apl. 17, 1780. 

267 



On the back of the preceding letter in another handwriting and with 
different ink is the following notice : 

Col Persifor Frazer 
by Cap/t Coleman Chester County 

an extra Lodge to meet 
the second day of 
October at 4 OClock at 
M/r Rees's. & the Lodge to 
meet at same place on the 
third tuesday in in 
October. 2500 



830 



415 



October 15. 1779. 
Sir 



Philad. Oct 15. 1779 



I suppose you will before this Time be informed that Gen/1 
Washington has made a Requisition on the State for 1500 Men. 
These Troops I shall command in Person & wish to have the As- 
sistance of some Gentleman of Knowledge & Experience particularly 
in the Line of Adjutant General which Office for the State is now 
vacant. 

If it is convenient to your private Affairs & equally agreeable it will 
give me very great Pleasure & perhaps lay a Foundation for some 
Office of greater Value & Importance in the State. — You will be at 
very little Expence as if agreeable to your self you will make one of 
the Family — which will be composed of Gentlemen of Rank & Char- 
acter & I am sure such as will be agreeable to you. 

You will please to favour me with your Answer by the Bearer who 
goes Express & believe me 

with much Esteem 

Your Obed. Hbble Ser/v 

Jos. Reed 
P.S. If your Answer should be conformable to my Wishes I hope you 
will follow it to Town as soon as you can 
Addressed On publick Service 

To 
Col. Persifor Frazer 
Jos. Reed Chester County 

This tender of the office of Adjutant General of Pennsylvania is in the handwrit- 
ing of Gen. Reed who was at that time and for more than a year afterwards President 
of the Supreme Executive Council of the State. 

268 



Col. Frazer was appointed by the Supreme Executive Council Commissioner of 
Purchases for Chester County on April I, 1780. 

In Council 

Philad/a April 5/th 1780. 

Sir 

You being appointed Commissioner of Purchases for the County 
of Chester and the necessity of entering upon the duty being very 
urgent and requiring the utmost diligence and attention you will not 
fail to exert yourself to the utmost therein. Before you enter upon 
the execution of this trust you are to give bond for the faithfull per- 
formance of your trust with one or more sufficient sureties. The sum 
required by the Council is thirty thousand pounds and the enclosed 
bond being executed is to be deposited in the Office of the l'rothono- 
tary of your County who will judge of the sufficiency of your bonds- 
man. You are also to take an oath or affirmation that you will dili- 
gently and faithfully without favour affection or partiality execute the 
duty and trust reposed in you by an Act of General Assembly of this 
Commonwealth entitled "An Act for procuring a supply of provisions 
and other necessaries for the use of the Army. — 

You are to purchase the following articles within your County not 
exceeding in price the rates affixed to each article, to wit — fifty tons 
of hay at six pounds per ton five thousand bushels of corn at four 
shillings per bushel, or ten thousand bushels of Oats at two shillings 
and six pence per bushel and two thousand barrels of flour, at thirty 
shillings per hundred weight gross. 

The flour you are to deliver to 

and the forage you are to deliver to Reading 
Howell and Archibald Dick Esquire who are appointed by the Quar- 
ter Master General to receive the Same. 

For the payment of the articles above mentioned money will he 
put into your hands as soon as it can possibly be got ready agreeable 
to the late Act of General Assembly. — 

I am Sir with much respect 
Your obedient and very humble Serv/t 

Jos: Reed 
President 

To Persifor Frazier Esquire Commissioner of Purchases for the County 
of Chester 



269 



April 1 6. 1780 

Easttown 16/th April 1780 
My Dear Colonel 

I had a double Interest in your appointment as 
Commissary of purchases for this County- — not only your's, — but my 
own acc/t — for as most Gentlemen employed in that Department have 
accumulated something handsome, I flattered myself that an Officer 
who deserved it much better, from the early sacrifices he had made might 
also participate of the loves and fishes,— and that, I also might also thro, 
his means recover a Quantity of forage which the Continent has long 
owed me, and at present but too much wanted. — As the additional 
number of baggage and riding Horses that I brought from the army — 
have totally exhausted all the Provender laid up for the support of 
my own stock on the farm, which would not have been the case, had 
not the forage master-General promised faithfully to replace all that 
I have furnished which is upwards of Eight Tons of the best Hay and 
more than two Hundred bushels of Grain, 

The Distressed state of the publick treasury and the Regulations 
have prevented him fr Complying with his promise heretofore, but 
now expects thro' your good Offices a Completion of his Engagement 

I must therefore request you to fall upon some mode to send me 
a partial supply if the whole can't be Immediately Obtained as my 
Horses and Cattle are realy suffering 

Major Howell will find teams to convey it upon your giving him 
notice where it may be had which I request you may do the soonest 
possible 

my best Compliments to Mrs Frazer and believe me yours most 

Sincerely 

Anty. Wayne 
Col/o Frazer 



Rough draft fragment of a communication. 

D/r Sir 

When I had the pleasure of seeing you last I had determin'd 
to decline the Office of Comm/r of Purchases for this County as the 
difficulties attending the faithfull Execution of it appear'd so various 
and discouraging that In my opinion neither Credit to myself nor ad- 
vantage to the Public could derive — but some worthy Friends whose 
opinion I always venerated prevented me at that time. But 
the reasons which urg'd me thus have gain'd fresh weight — And as I 

270 



have not qualify'd myself for the holding the Office can no longer de- 
lay the giving up the appointment in order that the public may not 
suffer but appoint some person more capable — I assure you Sir I 
had not the least intention of applying for the Office had not 
the Friendship of some worthy members in the Assembly — There are 
reasons why the Council should be offended at my declining after ap- 
plication made — I shou'd be glad to obviate — 1 have therefore this 
day wrote my resignation to his Excellency the l'res/t As 1 have a 
proper sence of the favour intended me by Council especially those 
Gentlemen who interested themselvs in my behalf and as they may be 
offended at my declining after application made wou'd beg leave to 
state my reasons and beg a candid favourable- which I hope will obviate- 
any impressions to my disadvantage — Before the Bill was past, some 

End of page. The second page is missing but on the back is the following 
rough draft of a letter: 



Sir 

After the most mature and deliberate consideration that I am 
capable of the appointment of Commissioner of Purchases with which 
the Ilonble Council have been pleas'd to 1 must beg leave to inform 
your Excelly. that I must decline the Office of Purchasing Com- 
missioner for Chester County as in my opinion under the various diffi- 
culties at present attending the Execution of it, neither Credit to my- 
self nor advantage to the public will attend the acceptance of it 
Gentlemen of the Assembly mention'd the matter to me, as at that 
time they thought to liav 'e nad the appointment would have been made 
by the House ! thought I hesitated as I had frequently observed that was 
afraid a plan entirely new would be attended with many dis 

broken off abruptly 



January o. 1781. 

Pursuant to an act of General Assembly Entitled an Act to 
Compleat the Quota of the Federal Army Assign'd to this 

SS State you Whose names are here unto Annexed are Re- 

quired to Enlist During the war one able bodied Recruit 
or Procure one Soldier Who was Enlisted During the War 

SS & hath Deserted & Deliver the said Recruit or Soldier to 

271 



N/o, , 58. 



the Officer Appontd by the President & Council to Re- 
ceive him &. make Return thereof to the Assessor of your 
township Within fifteen Days from the Date hereof — 
Given under our hands & Seals the Ninth Day of January 
AD:i78i — Jn/o Bartholomew 



Thomas Cheney 


Esq/r And/w 


Ezekiel Leonard 




Persi/r Frazer 




Joshua Way 




Jacob Vernon 




Richard Parks 




Allen Key 




John Mote 




William Allison 




Samuel Walker 


N/o 58 


Joseph Vernon 




William Hawley 


Thornbury 


Samuel Mendinhall 


Jn/o Peirce 






To 


Co/1 Per/r Frazer 




Thornbury 




N/058" 



May 25. 1782. 

In the NAME and by the AUTHORITY 
of the FREEMEN of the Commonwealth of Penn- 
sylvania, 

The SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 
of the said Commonwealth, 

To Percifor F racier Esquire 

W/e, reposing- especial Trust and Confidence in your 

Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO, by 

these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be a 
Brigadier General of the Militia of the State of Pennsyl- 
vania 

YOU are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the 
duty of a Brigadier General 

W/m Moore by doing and performing all Manner of Things there- 
President unto belonging. And we do strictly charge and re- 

272 



n 

o 

3 



i 



r 
r. 





1? 


xC\ 


**■ 


p 


^1 


■' N 


t 


f * 


£) 




\ 




>< 


$ 


s / 


? 



■ . ■ 

! 



if 
» 









in 



s 






5 3_ Vi3 



i ? 



2.3 3 S-l 

3 C « O a 

= ; & I "' 



_ I a 3 m 






o g_ 



O 






- •" r ■ 
\ 




quire all ( )fficers and Privates under your Command, 
to be obedient to your ( )rders as Brigadier General 
And you are to observe and follow such ( >rders and 
Directions from Time to Time, as you shall receive 
from the Supreme Executive Council of this Com- 
monwealth, or from your superior Officer, according 
to the Rules and Discipline of War. pursuant to the 
Trust reposed in you 

GIVEN under the Seal of the Commonwealth, 
at Philadelphia, this tzventy fifth Day of May .... 
in the Year of our L R D One Thousand Seven 

1 [undred and Eighty two 

Attest. 

T Matlack 

Secy 
Commission Brigadier General Percifor Frazier. 

Italicised words are written. 



Received Sep/r 30/th 1778 from L/t Colonel Persifor Frazer Twenty 
Five Pounds Six Shillings & Three Pence being in full for 2 Months 
& 15 Days pay as Lieu/t in the Com]) y. Commanded by tap t 
Joseph Potts in the 5/th Pens/a Regiment — 

Isaac Seely Lieut 

Receive! Sep/r 30/th 1778 from L/t Co!. Pers/r Frazer Twenty Seven 
Dollars & one Third Being for Money advane'd to Ja/s Long Serj t 
Vernon & Patrick Martin Soldiers Belonging to Cap/t Potts Company 

Serj/t Vernon.... 2 Dollars B: I'.artholomew Cap/t 

Ja/s Long 18 1/2 D 5/th P Reg/t 

Patt Martin 3 D 

Received Septem/r 30/th 1778. from L/t Col/o Frazer Twelve pounds 
one shilling & four pence in full for 2 M/o 15 days pay & former Bal- 
ance of 5 . . 16 . 4 

John Walker 

Major John Harper To Persifor Frazer Dr — 

1778 Dec/r 4/tli To Ball/ce due on Settlement of Acc/ts £ 



Received October 5/th 1778 from L/t Col/o Persifor Frazer Twenty 
five Pounds Six Shillings & therefore being in full for 2 M/o 15 days 

273 



pay from i/st Jany. 1776 to the 15/tli March following as Lieutenant 
in the Comp/v. lately commanded by Cap/t Potts in the 5/th Pen/a 
Reg/t— 

Levi Griffith Lt : 



Received Octo 10/th 1778. from L/t Col/o Persifor Frazer Twelve 
pounds ten shillings, being pay due to Jn/o M/cCullough & James 
Berry Soldiers in the Comp/y. late Cap/t Potts, the pay due from 
i/st Jan/y. 1777 to the 1 5/th March following. & w/ch 1 am to pay 
to them — 

Job Vernon Lieut/t 



Received Novem. 22/nd 1778 from L Col/o Frazer Six Pounds, 
seventeen shillings & Six pence in full for two Months & an half Pay. 
due me from the i/st Jany. to the 1 5/th March 1777. as Fifer in the 
5/th Pens/a Reg/t 

William Cline 



October 31. 1778 

Received Octo: 31/t 1778. from L Colonel Frazer One Hundred 
Dollars in full for 2 Months & an halfs Pay from i/st Jan/y. 1776. to 
the 1 5/th March following, as Captain in the fifth Penns/a Regiment 
Commanded by Colonel Francis Johnston — 

Joseph Potts Cap/tn 
P 5 R 



Received Feb/y. 4/th 1779. from L/t Col/o Persifor Frazer Six 
Pounds, five Shillings for two Months & an half pay due from i/st 
January to 1 5/th March 1777 as a Soldier in the Compy lately Com- 
manded by him 

John Murtland 



Received Nov/r 29/th 1779. from L/t Col/o Pers/r Frazer Seven 
pounds ten Shillings for two months & an half pay. due from i/st 
Jan/y. to the 1 5/th March 1777. as a Serjeant in the Compy. lately 
Commanded by him 

Edw/d Verney 

274 



Received Octo 4/th 1783. from L/t Col/o Persifor Frazer One pound 
five Shillings Specie being for 2 1/2 M/o pay due, & rec/d by him 
Sept/r 1778. when the scale was five for one 

John Maby 



Received March 10/th 1787 from Persifor Frazer One pound one shill- 
ing & six pence, on Acc/t of Two Months & Fifteen days Pay rec/d 
by him for me in Sept/r 1778 

his 
Test Jonat/n Smith Pat/k X Martin 

mark 

It is interesting to note that the pay of a soldier was about eighteen pence 
paper money or about three pence ha'penny specie per day; the relative value of the 
two kinds of money being, in 1778, five to one. Captains earned $1.31 Wk- in specie), 
and Sergeants about two shillings (a little less than five pence in specie). 



The United States To Persifor Frazer 

To my Pay as L/t Col/o from 1. Octo: 1776 till 15/th 

March 1777 — is 5 1/2 Months @ 60 dollars Pr 

Month is 330 doll. 

NB my Pay from 15/th March to i/st Feb/y. 1778 has 

been settled by M/r Kimmell 
To 1 Months advance pay allow'd 60 

To Pay from i/t Feby. till i/t June 1778 ) , ,,, 

is 4 Months @ 60 dollars ) 4 ° aoll/s 

To my Expenses from Ticonderoga in Decern. ) , ,,, 

1776. being sent express by Col/o Wayne ) ••35 / 

To Forage for a Horse from 20/th Decem/r 1776 
till 6/th June followg. 162 days @ 5/ 

To my Expences at Philad/a & Chester on y/e \ 21Q doll/s 

recruitg Service & other business of Reg/t .... i 

To Capt p/d for a p/r Irons for a prisoner ) , 

from Chester I ' ^ 

To my rations from 10/th Decem/r 1776 ~\ 
till first June 1778 at 5 Rations remains > 
wholly unpaid j 



~/0 



To Capt p/d sund/y Officers of y/e regim/t priv/ts 3067. doll/s 

The United States To Persifor Frazer L/t Col/o of the fifth 

Penns/a Regiment Dr. 

To my Pay as Major from the first 

This account is unfinished. 



The following claim for loss and damage by the raid upon Thorn- 
bury of Capt. De West is in the possession of Dr. I. W. Riley: 

September 1777 

An Account of the Loss & damage Sustained by Persifor Frazer 
of Thornbury in the County of Chester from the Ravages of of a 
detachment of General Howes Army under the immediate Com- 
mand of Cap/t. De West of the guards on the thirteenth day of 
September 1777. 



4 pair Chains, 4 Collers, 4 Blind Halters & Bridle. . £ 4 

2 Mares 47 

Wheat in Bags 9 Bus & a quantity in Sheaf 6 

150 lb Cheese. Butter. Beef, & Flour 5 

13 gallons Spirits 4 

22 tb brown Sugar 7 lb loaf d/o 2 

Tea, Chocolate, Coffee, Salt 11 

Blanket & Coverlet 30/. Jarrs & Bottles 15/ 2 

a number of Books of Account & other Books 

value unknown 

Damage in breaking Doors Locks & other damage 3 



18, 
10, 

2 
10 
10 

10 

5 



£ 87, , 5 



Two negroe wenches ran away afterwards 

went away one of them went to the British 200 

in Philad/a the other suppos'd to have 

joind them also £287, ,5 

Endorsed Account of Loss Sustained by the Enemy in 1777. 

There is nothing to indicate when the above claim was presented, but most prob- 
ably after the war was over. The writer of the paper is unknown. 



276 



Abstract of Receipts lodged in this Office by Lt. Col. Persifor Frazier 
late of the 5th Penna. Regimt — 





>, 


s*% 


^ 








"Z. u 


■0 5 


-3 V 

•—5 Tn 








.S 'n 


■z t 


■^ 'C 


"- 1 






ei rt 


rt 


ri h 


V *-• 






PL.U 












B-j 


3 a. 


S 0. 


B u 


Amount 


Date of 


s 
wo 


too 


5 rt 

wo 


to S 


paid 


Receipts By whom received 


Dolls. Cts. 


Dolls. Cts. 


Dolls. Cts. 


Dolls. Cts. 


DolKCts. 


1777 






Feby. 7 Cap 1 James Moore 


200 " 










8 Ditto 


40 " 








240 " 


" " Cap 1 Alex. Johnston 


100 " 








100 " 


" 7 Cap 1 Job Vernon 


140 " 








140 " 


" 22 Cap 1 James Taylor 


130 " 








130 " 


" 20 L 1 James Forbes 


' ' *' 


60 . 1 








May 15 Ditto 


162 " 






222 " 


Feby 2t *Ens'n Run. (?) Evans 


60 


" " 


;. ;.-, 




Mar. 9 Ditto 


" " 


" " 


11 11 


97 "I 




Mar. 21 Ditto 


" " 


II 41 


200 " 


,. ,. 


465 " 


Ap 1 30 Ditto 


108 " 


it 11 


" 


.. ,.j 




Feby 1 Cap 1 Jos. Potts 


14 11 


30 " 1 








Mar. 6 Ditto 


38 " 


'' "I 








Ap' 30 Ditto 


270 " 


tl .1 f 

.. ..J 








May 1 Ditto 


102 " 






500 " 


" 1 Cap 1 Fred. Vernon 


10S " \ 
108 "J 










" 15 Ditto 








216 " 


Feby 7 L' Isaac Seely 


140 " 








140 " 


" L l M« Clintock. 


140 " 1 
108 '■/ 










Ap' 30 Ditto 








248 " 


May 2 L' M° Henry 


142 " 


(1 (« 


" " 


11 11 


142 " 


7 L' M° Gee 


216 " 


|| 11 


" " 


ii 11 


216 " 


" L 1 Griffith 


162 " 








162 " 


Feby 12 L 1 Sam 1 Smith 


" " 


6O . l 








May 21 Ditto 


38 " 






98 '< 


May 22 Cap 1 Benj. Bartholomew 2 -,4 








234 " 


31 L 1 M'Culloch 


30 " 


" " 


11 11 


i< 1 1 


30 " 


" William Strong, Q. M. 


83 ■ 








83 " 


May 3 L 1 Kimmell 


108 " 








108 " 


Ap 1 30 L 1 Bartley 


100 " 




200 


97 


100 " 




3067 " 


2IO 


3574 " 



Quere what Stores were did I y t. North procure for Col. Johnston. ? 
I find he he receipts for the sum £ 70. 16. iod. 



* The word may be Eng/r or Ens/n, but if Ens/u it is not clear win- 
he drew the pay of a Capt'n. The first name seems an abbreviation for 



Reuben, but in Heitman 
Frye's Mass. Regt. 



the only Reuben Evans was 2d Lieut of 



277 



On the back of the sheet is the following. 

Commissioners Officer 

Philad/a Feby. 20. 1784 
I Certify that Lt Col : Frazer late of the 5/th Penn/a Regiment 
has lodged in this Office. Receipts against the Foregoing Officers 
Amounting to the sum of three thousand five hundred & seventy 
four dollars. Three thousand & Sixty seven dollars of which are 
in his favor, two hundred and ten dollars in favor of Captain 
North, two hundred dollars in favor of Cap/t Christie. & Ninety 
seven dollars in favor of Lieut M/c Clintock. — 

Joseph Howell Junr. A Commis 

A Accts. 
(Endorsed) 

Abstract of Receipts of Sundry Officers of the 5/th Reg/t of 
Pennsylvania for Monies advanced them by Lt Col. Percifer 
Frazer &c for Recruiting in the Year 1777 



September 10. 1788. 

Wilmington 10/th Sept/r 1788 
Dear Sir 

I am almost ashamed to trouble You on the following 
occasion yet for your sake as well as my own I think : it not unneces- 
sary — being in a large & respectable Company, at a Tavern in this 
place, the other Evening when some altercation happening between 
our Attorney Gen/1 M/r Bedford & myself, & the same becoming 
gradually warm, he then reproached me, that when I was a Prisoner in 
Philad/a I used to sweep our Room in turn, when I might have been 
excused on paying five Shill/s in port Wine — this I positively denied 
& mentioned That you cou'd prove the contrary — he then asserted 
that You were the very Person from whom he had the information 1 
replied that as it was false, You cou'd not be the Author, & gave my 
reasons — mentioning your good Character, & the mutual regard that 
subsisted between us — that there were Nineteen Prisoners in the 
Room & that I was confined there only Thirteen Days — so that it 
cou'd not become my turn more than once — & that I well remem- 
bered, when that Service was proposed to me, & knowing that we were 
then all on a footing, therefore I assented if required, on which I was 
told, half a Gallon of Rum wou'd excuse me, which I immediately sent 
for, & that poor George Blewor,* & ( his Father as he called him & 
others named Commodore) Francis Grice, who I think proposed it, 
drank almost the whole — which perhaps you may remember — altho' 
the Company in which this dispute happened were too well acquainted 

*Perhaps Bluver. 

278 



with me & my disposition, to believe I cou'd lie so meanly saving, as 
represented, yet it being repeatedly asserted on your credit, & as often 
denied on the same, in such a Company, renders it necessary that you 
shou'd be informed thereof, altho' I assure You that 1 have not the 
least suspicion that You ever treated me in such a manner — but as 
false stories have been frequently propogated against me & 1 am per- 
suaded from the same Quarter, for some Years past, before our Gen/1 
Elections, at which that Gentleman lias for several Years been a Can- 
didate, but for certain reasons he has not for some Years, bad my ap- 
probation — therefore the mean policy has been frequently made use 
of, to propogate false Stories to diminish my influence in behalf of 
Others, whom 1 have better approved of for as to myself it is well 
known that I will accept of no public Office 1 have therefore to re- 
quest that You wou'd favour me with an answer, as soon as possible — 
& if you send it to the care of M r Aaron Musgrove, your Goaler, to 
whose care I send this under cover with a request to forward your 
.Answer as speedily as he can ov 1 expect he will do so — 1 have several 
reasons to request your compliance & I doubt not you will indulge 
me — My best Respects to M/rs Frazier, your Daughter & Family — & 
believe me to be with much esteem & regard 

" D/r Sir 

Your's sincerely 
pray fail not to answer me speedily J n /° M/c Kinly 

Coll/o Percifer Frasier Esq/r 
Chester County 

In care of 

M/r Aaron Musgrove 

Councellor 

John Hannum 
Assembly 

Caleb James 

Memoranda _j AT-it-l- WHrr.%- 

written in another hand Alaik \\ ilcox 

I ownsend Whelen 
Rich/d Thomas 
Samuel Evans 
„ W/m Gibbons 

Assuming Dr. McKinly's allowance of time for the transmission of letters be- 
tween Wilmington and Thornbury at "a few days." this letter probably reached 
Gen. Frazer on Sept. 15. for he wrote a reply on the 16th, which was entrusted to 
Major Harper but still undelivered on Nov. 25. Probably this letter contained a 
copy of the communication he addressed to Col. Bedford, which for that reason is 
entered here. 

279 



(Sept. i6.(?) 1778) 
Sir 

I Received a letter yesterday from Doct/r McKinly which has 
given me great Surprise; He therein mentions that you had re- 
proached him in a Public Company in the following terms, "that dur- 
ing the time M/r McKinly was a prisoner in Philad/a he Used to 
Sweep the Room in turn, when he might have been excused on pay- 
ing five Shillg/s in Port Wine" and that I was the person, that gave 
you the information Now Sir I do in the most explicit manner de- 
clare that, no such expression ever passed my lips, nor had I any 
grounds ever to have made Use of such expressions; on the contrary 
I do not know that he ever did sweep our Room, and remember his 
being excused from that business on acc/t of his age and Rank, and 
on his giving a treat to some of the Company — You must certainly 
upon recollection Sir clear me of being the Author of so groundless a 
Charge; during the time M/r McKinly and I were prisoners together, 
I never observed any thing in his conduct either mean or mercenary 
and it wou'd have been highly improper in me to have made use of 
such ungrounded reflections — I believe upon recollection you will re- 
member that one of our Company when prisoners, had from former 
disputes, no great friendship for the Doct/r whether any expression 
of his might have made impressions on your mind I know not, but I 
most solemnly declare that no such words were ever uttered by me — I 
shall be glad to hear from you on this subject, which has given me 
much uneasiness and shall be sorry the respect I have entertain'd for 
you should suffer any diminution 

I am 
Sir 

Your most O.b/t Serv/t 

Pers/r Frazer 
Gunning Bedford Esq/r 

Addressed Gunning Bedford Esq/r 

Wilmington 



October 24. 1788. 

Wilmington 24/th Oct/r 1788 
Dear Sir 

I wrote to You, some weeks agoe, a Letter which I in- 
closed to the care of M/r Musgrove your Goaler requesting that he 
wou'd forward the same with care & dispatch & as I apprehend that 
he has complied with my request — & that Business has prevented your 
favouring me with an Answer hitherto — I must therefore repeat my 

280 



request that you wou'd favour me with an Answer by the first con- 
venient opportunitv & thereby oblige 

Sir 
Your very hum Serv 

Jn/o M/c Kinly 
The Bearer has promised to forward 
with care this hasty Scrawle 

Coll/o Persifor Frazier Esq/r 
Chester County 
favoured by 
Mark Wilcocks Esq 



The reproachful letter of Oct. 24th must have been received and answered 
three days later, viz: Oct. 27, and a second letter enclosing another copy of the 
communication to Gunning Bedford was dispatched on that date by Mr. Russell, 
reaching the impatient Doctor a few days later — say Nov. 1. But the latter \\a^ not 
so prompt in acknowledging the receipt of services as in requesting them, for he 
allowed over three weeks to pass befure inditing the following: 

November 25. 1788. 

Wilmington 25 th Nov, r 1788 
Dear Sir 

This is the first opportunity I have had, or 1 wou'd have 
sooner acknowledged the receipt of your favour of the 27/th Ult/o 
for your Letter on the 1 6/th Sept r by Major Harper 1 have not rec d 
but your last by M/r Russell came safe to hand, a few Days after its 
Date, for which you have, what You so justly merit, my warmest grati- 
tude — for You have therein not only proved all my assertions in that 
noted Controversy, to which it relates, but You have also kindly men- 
tioned how I constantly attended the sick & wounded < )fficers & Sol- 
diers belonging to our Army & supplied them with Medicines & Wine 
at my own expence — & to my great satisfaction it clearly proves what 
I particularly insisted upon at the time, that You were my Friend & 
to much of a Gentleman to be guilty of the Falsehood that Calumnia- 
tor laid to your Charge — & the whole was so well expressed, that I 
had great pleasure in showing it to every of the Gentlemen who were 
in Company when the dispute happened, i\: to several Others, who all 
were fully convinced thereby that the Person alluded to is a scandalous 
Ever tho' 1 did not before think worth while to mention it to You, yet 
he also insisted at the same time that the Provisions, which You may 
remember. 1 did procure liberty from lien 1 Smallwood to supply our 
Landlady M/rs Jenkins with, who then Stood m great need of such 
supply, that I huckstered them about the Street to sell to the highest 
Bidder, the fact was, M/rs Jenkins wanted & wou'd have willingly kept 

281 



the whole, but I got her to spare a part, only for the use of my Brother 
in Law Cap/t Reeve, who was then in great want — thus He, who to 
carry his Election into the Legislature, to which he knew that for sev- 
eral weighty reasons I was opposed, therefore to lessen my influence, 
he has constantly made it his practice for several years before our an- 
nual Election, to propogate, covertly, some falsehood against me — but 
at last becoming so bold as to insist on some of those falsehoods to 
my Face, which 1 long suspected he had often done behind my Back, 
he is at length detected which I hope may be the Fate of all such base 
& scandalous Persons — (turn over) — I wou'd now mention to You, 
that at the same time our Calumniator said, that he had his informa- 
tion from You, which was what we chiefly disputed upon, he also de- 
clared that Coll/o Hannum also told him the same, which I do not be- 
lieve, therefore I cou'd wish that You wou'd acquaint Coll/o Hannum 
therewith as soon as You have a convenient opportunity, & request 
his Answer for altho' your Answer is fully sufficient to disprove the 
Charge, yet his wou'd be an additional Evidence — I shall not apologise 
for this farther trouble, as I know You will readily excuse it— & shou'd 
it be in my power to render You any Service, I hope You will freely 
command — My best respects to M/rs Frazier & the Family, & assure 
yourself that I am with great regard D/r Sir 

Your real Friend 
& very hum Serv 
Jn/o M/cKinly 

P.S. I wou'd just add, that all the Company who were present, when 
the dispute happened, knew that I had never been a niggardly Person 
before or since being a Prisoner— & You may recollect, that when in 
Captivity, besides what I did for the sick & wounded, I also gave the 
worthy M/rs Gray* an half Johannes, when raising a Collection 
amongst her Friends, wherewith She, good Woman, bought Blankets, 
& carried them by stealth to our half naked Soldiers, who were in Goal, 
starving with the Cold, without Fire 

General Persifor Frazier Esq/r 

Chester County 
favoured by 
Ja/s A. Bayard Esq 



*This is doubtless the Mrs. Gray to whom such a glowing tribute is paid in the 
sketch of an address to Gen. Washington from the "Phila. Goal" Jan. 21. 1778. 
presumably by the American officers and soldiers who were prisoners there. 

282 



Description and authentication of arms and portions oi 
uniform formerly used by General Frazer. 



In the half tone illustration the upper sword, presented to Col. Frazer 
by Baron von Steuben as stated by the former's daughter Sally, with 
it's scabbard is 2' 2" from the top of the ornament surmounting the hilt 
to the point of the blade, and 5 3/4" from the same initial point to the 
lower surface of the guard. The hilt and guard of the sword, and the 
bands of the scabbard are of brass. This was one of the small swords 
of General Frazer, and is in all probability that one alluded to in the 
accompanying letter of Sarah frazer to my father, John Fries Frazer, 
written June <>. [840, as having been in the possession of George 
Brinton and Joseph II. Brinton, 

West Chester, June 6th. 1840. 
My dear John 

I have heard a piece of news within these few days 
that 1 think will be interesting to you. Namely that one of your Grand- 
fathers small swords which was thought to be lost, is to the fore, in 
this neighbourhood — It seems that there was some conversation about 
me going on in .Mrs Hodgsons house some time since when |ohn 
Brinton the Lawyer asked Mrs H. if I knew that Joseph II. Brinton 
had my Fathers Sword (or Lewis Brinton now. his father being dead). 
Mrs. H. did not know nor did she mention any thing as to any one of 
the Brintons having it. but I know that your Grandpa had two swords 
besides his Hanger, as he called it. I also heard your grandma men 
tion several times that he had lent one to Colonel Thomas Taylor of 
Westtown and that it was lost — Col. Taylor was a militia officer and 
an intimate friend of your Grandpa, there are letters from him among 
those papers I gave to Persifor, 1 think, by which it appears he was 
very near taking out a commission and going into the regular Army — 
George Brinton the father of Joseph J I. Brinton was a pretty near 
neighbour of Col. Taylor, 1 remember them both very well — it seems 
probable the sword might have been left at his house upon some oc- 
casion and Col. Taylor might have died without mentioning it — More- 
over I think it must be the sword presented to your Grandpa by Baron 
Stuben, the military Tactician, you know, a foreigner, who assisted 
General Washington in training his raw troops. 

At any rate I think it of too much consequence to be left * 
***** and believe you will think so too — I have 
been balancing, a little whether or no to give you the first chance 
for redeeming it, have finally concluded you have the best right, 
particularly in the absence of your brother P. — I do not know 

283 



who has the sword* that was bought by Doctor Wilson at the 
sale of your Fathers property after his death, but some one of the fam- 
ily, or conections of the family, got it after the blade had been broken 
and repaired — Give my love to my dear Charlotte and a kiss to the 
little Anne— and believe me, in spite of all your capers, 

Your affectionate Aunt Sally 

Please tell Doctor Barton he must not take those children of his 
to France without bringing them up to see me first — I want to know 
about Robert, whether he goes into the army or no as I have heard a 
talk of — I think, however, you will be here and can tell me — 



West Chester August 21st, 1840. 
Dear Sir 

I have taken the liberty of addresssing you, upon a sub- 
ject of great interest to myself, but which requires that I should com- 
mence by apologizing for troubling you, with whom I have not the 
pleasure of a personal acquaintance, in the matter. 

Having been informed that there was, in your possession a sword, 
which originally belonged to my grandfather, Lieut. Col. Persifor 
Frazer, and was used by him in the revolutionary war, I applied to Mr. 
Dillingham to learn whether there was any possibility of re-obtaining 
possession of a relic so interesting to us, and was by him encouraged 
to make the present application to you. 

To your late father, this sword was undoubtedly highly interesting 
as a memorial of an ancient loved, and respected friend ; and there 
would, I conceive, have been an impropriety in seeking the recovery 
of it during his life-time ; this impropriety, does not, I hope, now exist, 
since he too has followed his ancient comrade, and is succeeded by 
those, to whom, in the nature of things, Col. Frazer must be com- 
paratively unknown. To the children of Col. Frazer, however, and to 
his descendants, such a historical relic of such an ancestor, cannot but 
be of great value, and of the highest interest, and it is in the name of 
his descendants, that I take the liberty of requesting of you the favour 
of its restoration. I feel that in making this request, I am taking a 
liberty which is the greater, not being warranted by any previous ac- 
quaintance ; but I hope that this will be pardoned, and my request, (if 
consistent with your feelings,) be granted, for the sake of the friend- 
ship which has of old existed between the families. 



"This was the broken blade of lenticular cross section which disappeared shortly 
after the death of my father, John F. Frazer. 

284 



1 shall be happy to hear from you, when perfectly convenient to 
yourself, and if it be agreeable to yon will call upon you, whenever you 
may be at leisure, to discuss the matter personally. 
In the mean tune 

1 remain with gTeat respect 
Yours truly 

John F. Frazer 
(Chester Cy. Hotel)— 
Lewis Brinton Esqre. 



Philadelphia September 5th, 1840 
Dear Sir 

The numerous occupations, to which my sudden return to 
the City called me, have prevented me from acknowledging, ere this, 
the receipt of the sword which yon have so kindly presented. 

Permit me, in my own name, and in that of the family, to return to 
you, our sincerest thanks for your kindness, and to assure you of the 
pleasure, it will give us to reciprocate it, if ever an opportunity shall 
occur. 

With great respect 

1 subscribe myself 

Your obedient servant 

John F. Frazer. 
Lewis Brinton Esqre. 

Westchester 



The last two letters were shown me by the late Dr. Daniel G. Brin- 
ton, and were accompanied by the following note : 

Dr. D. G. Brinton, 

Media, Pa April 26/99. 
Dear Dr Frazer; 

On looking over some old family papers, my sister 
came across two letters which she has sent me. They refer to the 
sword, of which you once inquired. It occurs to me that you might 
like to see them, & I therefore enclose them to you. Will you kindly 
return them at your convenience. 

I remain 

Very truly yrs 

D. G. Brinton 

285 



The correspondence with Mr. Lewis Brinton establishes the identity 
of this sword because my Father possessed but two others of early 
date. One of these was a broken blade with convex sides tapering 
to a point and without hilt, grip, or scabbard. Its cross section was 
lenticular. 

This sword was probably the second of the two small swords, alluded 
to in Sarah Frazer's letter, of which the origin is unknown. It was in 
my Father's possession till his death but since then could never be 
found.- — The other sword inherited by him is not of older date than 
1812, in the opinion of an expert of the William H. Horstmann Co. 

The sword represented with its scabbard at the bottom of the illus- 
tration is with equal certainty the "Hanger" mentioned also in my 
great Aunt's letter. It was given to me by W. H. Myers, whose letter 
will be found below establishing its authenticity. He told me that 
during her life time his mother kept it in a drawer. 

It is 2 ft 3 3/4 inches long from the top of the hilt to the tip of the 
blade, and 4 1/2 inches from the same point to the lower edge of the 
guard, the chains on the hilt and scabbard, and the bands on the latter 
are of silver. 

Philad/a Dec. 14. 1887— 
Dr. Persifor Frazer 

Dear Sir — The small "French hunting sword" you have, belonged 
to Col. Persifor Frazer, & was used by him after he lost his sword 
when taken prisoner after the battle of Brandywine. 

He last wore it in action, at the battle of Monmouth,* of the above 
I was informed by my mother, who was his youngest daughter, in 
whose possession it was until her death — This was also known to all 
the older members of my mother's family. — 

Very truly Yours 

W/m H. Myers 

This sword was always called a "Couteau de Chasse," & from the 
guard & chain being silver & the hilt ivory, had evidently belonged to a 
French officer, & had been given by him to Col. Frazer. — 

W. H. M. 



The pistols in the illustration were inherited by my JJncle Persifor 
Frazer (b. 1809) from his Father Robert, son of Gen. Frazer, and at 

"This is probably a mistake. In a letter ilated "White Plains July 26. 1778," the 
second he wrote after the battle of Monmouth, Col. Frazer says * * * "do send 
my Bayonet and small Hanger, * * * "I have no sword to wear" * * * ; 
and in a subsequent letter from the same place of Sept. 2, '78, he says, "I forgot to 
mention that I have got my Sword and Bayonet." 

286 




Epaulette -worn l>\ General Frazerinthe Revolution. 
Seven-tenths of natural size, lineal measurement. 




Military chest of white pine used by Gen. Frazer during his campaigns in the Revolu- 
tion. The dimensions of the lower base are 3 ft. 1 1 inches x 1 ft. 7 inches : at the top 3 
ft. 7 inches x 1 ft. 3'^ inches. Vertical depth 1 ft. 3^ inches. The name ami initials 
were probably cut by himself with a penknife. The top and sides are stained reddish brown. 




Interior of thi 



my uncle's death were left by him to me together with the military 
chest elsewhere figured, and the family papers which are embodied in 
this book. Thy are each i ft. 2§ inches from butt to muzzle. The 
barrel is 8 inches long. The barrel, base of the butt (with connecting 
inlaid strips on each side, and a small detached inlaid plate on the 
upper part of the stock in shape like the vertical section of an egg 
with the point towards the base) is i! inches long and 7/8" broad"; 
the side plate (bearing the name "Blyth"), a narrow ,-croll opposite, 
the trigger-guard, and tube & socket for the ramrod; are of brass. 

The trigger, hammer bearing the flint, the "steel." and a short strap 
secured on top of the stock by one screw and touching the upper side 
of the chamber of the barrel, are of steel. The ramrod is of wood 
7f inches long tipped at the small end with a steel charge-drawer 
with double cork screw reversed and screwed on to the steel threaded 
end. On the upper side of the barrel is engraved the word 
"LONDON." 



The sash of red silk which surrounds the other objects was given to 
me by Dr. W. H. Myers the nephew and namesake of the donor of the 
"hanger." The accompanying undated note from him gives his state- 
ment of the origin and successive ownerships of this sash: 

I came into possession of the sash after death of my father the 
late Persifor Frazer Myers, who died in 1862 when I was a boy of 17 
years of age. Always understood that it belonged to my grand- 
father the late Col. Henry Myers of the Chester Co. Blues ( [812-1815), 
and my grand mother Eliza Frazer his wife who was a daughter of 
Gen. Persifor Frazer, and that it formerly belonged to her Father. 
My -rand parents afterwards gave it to my father 1 suppose and along 
with some old family papers which have disappeared. Have always 
kept it as a relic until the present time, and with the above account of 
its history. 



I he military chest was used by General Frazer during his campaigns 
in the war of the Revolution, and has the following dimensions: 

Length of lower base, 3 ft 1 1 inches, breadth 1 ft 7 inches. 

Length along upper aperture closed by the lid, 3 ft 7 inches, breadth 
1 ft 3 1/2 inches. 

Depth vertically from upper corner to bottom, 1 ft 3 1/2 inches. 

Its possession descended to his eldest son Robert, and from him to 
his eldest son Persifor, my (Jncle, who kept it with great care in a bank 
vault ; and having no children, left it to me. 

It is made of white pine. The top and side- are stained a reddish 

287 



brown. The words "Lt Col. Frazer" are cut on the top, very likely 
by its first owner. The letters "P' F"? also roughly cut a little to the 
right of the front edge of the lid, are very shallow and not completed. 

It is to this chest Mary Worrall Frazer alluded in the postscript of 
her letter of Aug. 29. 1777 to her husband, where she expressed sur- 
prise that it was not among the Officers' baggage which had been 
brought to their house in Thornbury. 



The epaulette in the illustration, worn by Persifor Frazer while 
Lt. Col. of the Fifth Pennsylvania Continental line, was presented by 
his widow to their granddaughter Mrs Emma Vaughn (Smith) Riley, 
and is now in the museum of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 
It is of the pattern generally used by the Officers of the Continental 
army. The strap and fringe are of silver bullion. The length of the 
epaulette and strap when suspended, as represented in the half-tone, 
is 7f inches. The workmanship is superior and probably French. 



I sent the illustrations and descriptions of the arms to Gen. Crozier, 
Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army, with the questions subjoined. 
Through the kindness of Lt. Col. A. H. Russell, of the same depart- 
ment, who referred them to the anthropological section of the Na- 
tional Museum, at Washington, I have received the following replies 
from Dr. Rathbun, to whom and to his assistant, Mr. Beckwith, I ex- 
press herewith my sincere thanks. 

Smithsonian Institute 

United States National Museum 

Washington, D. C. 

October 23, 1906. 
Dr. Persifor Frazer, 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
Dear Sir: 

Your letter of October 9th addressed to Brig. Gen. Wil- 
liam Crozier, U. S. Army, together with the photographs and descrip- 
tions of swords, pistols, etc., concerning which you desire certain in- 
formation, has been referred to the National Museum. * * * I 
am not able to do more than send you the annexed answers which 
have been furnished by Mr. Paul Beckwith, of the Department of 
Anthropology, in reply to your questions, and these I am repeating 
for your convenience. 

1. In the upper sword are there indications of German origin? 
Ans. More probably French than German. 

288 



2. Were swords like the two represented common among the 
gentlemen of the American army in 1777-78? 

Ans. Yes. They were in general use. 

3. Are there indications of French workmanship in the lower 
sword ? 

Ans. Yes. There are such indications shown. 

4. Were "coutcaux de chasse" and "hangers" used then as 
officers' swords ? 

Ans. Yes. They were in general use hy the line and staff 
officers, with the exception of those in the Cavalry and Ar- 
tillery branches. 

5. Have the pistols the appearance of duelling pistols of that 
epoch ? 

Ans. They were probably used as dragoon or holster 
pistols. 

6. Would duelling pistols have been probably used in holsters 
then owing to the scarcity of suitable military small arms? 
Ans. As there was no regulation service pistol, any avail- 
able make was used. 

7. Who was "Blyth" (the name on the plate under the ham- 
mer). If a London gunmaker, what was his date? 

Ans. He was a gunmaker in London during the years 
1 772- 1 793. 

8. Were red silk sashes worn by the American officers during 
the Revolution ? 

Ans. In compliance with General Orders issued from the 
War Office. Philadelphia, on January <;. 1799, rec ' s 'lk sashes 
were to be worn by the commissioned officers, and red 
worsted sashes by the non-commissioned officers. 

9. The cross section of the lost sword was somewhat oval, the 
longer diameter about an inch at the guard. Does this give 
any suggestion as to its character or origin ? Would it not 
resemble a rapier? 

Ans. The cross section resembles a court or dress sword, 
rapier, scaramouche, hanger, or small sword. 
10. See note p. 5. What use had an officer for a bayonet? 

Ans. In 1780. in accordance with General Orders, Short 
Hills, Sunday, January 18, 1780, all commissioned officers 
were required to have as side arms either a sword or a "gen- 
teel bayonet." The latter weapon resembled a dirk. 
* * * 

Very truly yours, 

R. Rathbun. 

289 



Nov. 7. 1906. 
Referring to your letter of October 25th, I would say that the 
duelling pistol of the Revolutionary period was a finely finished heavy 
pistol with a blunt butt. The one represented in your photograph has 
a round butt and is of a much heavier build.* 

It is very probable that sashes were worn in the Continental army, 
although there is no documentary proof to that effect, as the uniform 
was copied after that of the British officers, who certainly wore silk 
sashes at that time. * * * 

R. Rathbun 
Asst. Secy. 



' That is to say they were not duelling pistols. P. F. 
290 



CHAPTER VI. 
The Period from 1779 to 1792 Inclusive. 



MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS INCLUDING LETTERS, INVITATIONS, 
MEMORANDA, LEGAL DOCUMENTS, VCCOUNTS, RECEIPTS, ETC., 
ARRANGED AS NEARLY AS POSSIBLE IN CHRONOLOGICAL 
ORDER. 



A paper book 5$ x j\ inches with paste-hoard covers under red marb- 
led paper, containing - ten leaves, has the following heading- on the first 
page : 

Register of the Names of those Persons that have taken the Oath 
or Affirmation of Allegiance and Fidelity, as directed by an Act of 
General Assembly of Pennsylvania passed the 5/th day of December 
1778. before Persifor Frazer one of the Commissioners appointed for 
the County of Chester. 



N/o 



Persons Names 



o 1 Thomas Cheney Esq. 



Tho/s Taylor Esq. 

o 3 Samuel McMin 

a 4 Jn/o Murtland 

o 5 Bart/w Sutton 

o 6 Will/m Linsey 

a 7 Joseph Rudulph 

o 8|Jn/o Gruber 

a o|Henry Hayes 

a io|Sam/l Smith 



Date of 
Certificate 



one of the justices Jany. 20th 
and a Sub Lieut, for 1779 

Chester Co 

one of the justices Jany. 29/th 

etc I 

of Concord(vveaver)|Feb/y 1st 

of Goshen | 4th 

Middletown j 13th 

Chichester j 1 3th 

Darby | 15 

ditto I d/o 

ditto j d/o 

ditto j d/o 



291 



o 1 1 James Davis JTredyffrin 

o 12 Samuel Landers (Ridley . . . 

o 13 James Kerr | 

o 14 John Snider jun/r 
a 15 Jacob Rudulph Cap/t 

16 John Quandrill 
o 17 Ja/ S McMichell 
18 William Willis 
o 19 Cap/t Nich/o Diehl 
o 20 Major Sketchly Morton 

Commiss/r of Taxes 
o 21 David Cloyd 

Commiss/r of Taxes 
o 22 Col/ Jn/o Bartholomew 

One of the Assessors 
a 23IC0I/0 Caleb Davis 

|Prothonotary 



|Darby 

I 

|Chester 

I 

Ridley 

Ridley 

J East Whiteland 

1 ditto 

I Springfield 



February 19th 

23d 

ditto 

ditto 

ditto 

ditto 

24th 

d/o 

d/o 

d/o 

do 
d/o 

d/o 



a 24|Joshua Ash 
a 25|Jn/o Pearson 
o 2o|Jn/o Mcfarland 
o 27 
o 28 



o 29 
o 30 
o 31 
o 32 

o 33 
o 34 
a 35 
o 36 

o 37 
a *8 




o 39 
a 40 

a 41 

o 42 

a 43 
a 44 

a 45 



Will/m Evans 
Edw/d Burd Esq/r 
Prothonotary of Supream 
Andrew McMinn 
James M Cullogh 
Will/m Haston 
Ralph Forrester 
John Taylor 
James Hemphill 
James Ramage 
James Beggs. 
W/m Dunwoody 
Tho/s Levis Esq/r 

Mark Willcox 
Isaac Levis 
Mordecai Massey 
Rob/t Thomson 
John Levis 
Elisha Taylor 
Edward Carter 



Court / 25th 



d/o 

d/o 

27th 

d/o 

d/o 

d/o 

d/o 

d/o 

d/o 



Ashtown 

Springfield 

Chichester 

Goshen 

Willistown 

Goshen 

Thornbury 

Edgemont 

ditto 

one of the Justices 

etc 

of Concord 

Middletown 

Edgemont 

do 

Springfield 

Willistown 

Chester 



March 



4th 
d/o 
d/o 
d/o 
d/o 
d/o 
22/nd 
23/rd 



292 



o 46 Thomas Bigar 
o 47 Morton Morton 
o 48 Thomas Price 
o 4oJAnd/w Urian 
o 5oJPhilip Clime 




March 23/d 

27/th 
29/th 
29/th 



Register continued 



N/o 



o 51 
o 5 2 
o 53 
o 54 

o 55 
o 56 

o 57 
o 58 

o 59 
o 60 

o 61 
o 62 
a 63 



Persons Names 



Laurence Fredrick 
John Wright 
Andrew Boon 
John Cornog 
John Davis 
William Field 
Bernhard Vanleer 
William Quin 
Hugh Kirpatrick 
John Vaughan 
Robert Fergison 
Rich/d Flower 
David Cowpiand 



Place of 
residence 



Darby . . . 
ditto 

ditto 

Haverford 

ditto 

Marple . . . 

ditto 

ditto 

Chester . . 

ditto 

ditto 

ditto 

d/o 



date 

when 

adm/r 



March 29/th 

29 

29 

29 

29 

30/th 

dito 

30/th 

d/o 

d/o 

d/o 

d/o 

d/o 



64 





65 


a 


66 


a 


67 





68 





69 





70 


a 


7i 





72 





73 





74 





75 





76 






Joshua Vaughan 
William James 
John Rinker 
John Schantlin 
John Hogan 
Caleb McCully 
William Jones 
Joseph Black 
Daniel Rice 
George Gruber 
Chris/r Shuff 
Joseph Boon 
Jacob Rice 



|d/o 
d/o 
d/o 
d/o 
d/o 
d/o 



d/o 
d/o 
d/o 
d/o 
d/o 
d/o 



Goshen | d/o 

Edgemont | 3 T /st 

Darby | April i/st 

ditto' I d/o 

ditto I d/o 

ditto I d/o 

ditto I d/o 



293 



77 o 

78 o 

79 a 

80 a 

81 o 
82 

83 



Lewis Painter 
Peter Boon 
Arch/d Dick 
John Hannum Esq/r 
Lewis Trimble 
Joshua Way 
Alex/r Vincent 



ditto j d/o 

ditto I d/o 

Lower Chichester. . ! d/o 

East Bradford | d/o 

Ridley | 20/th 

Thornbury IJune 14/th 

Concord I 



84 

85 
86 



James Lindsay 
Mich/1 Gill 
W/m Noblit jun/r 



Ash town |Octo : 12/th 1779 



Chester 
Middletown 



Octo 



d/o 
18/th 



List of Persons, who have taken permits accord/g to an Act 
entitled an Act. to prevent engrossing and forestalling etc a 

I I 

Parker Askew |Concord |Feb/y. 23/d 1780 

Jn/o Pierce |ditto | 28 

Francis Trumble |Goshen | 29 

Col/o Thomas Ball |Warwick furnace, .j March i/st 

Adam Richards |East Cain | d/o 

Jn/o Hannum Esq/r | 2/nd 

James Woodward Bradford | . . . ... d/o 



March 5. 1779 



Brother Isaac March 5/th 1779 

I expected to have seen yon here on Monday last 
as you promis'd and expected We might agree about 
the Meadow and Worrilow field — It has been a disap- 
pointment so far to me as I have not concluded where 
to put in my Spring crop and as I must have my fences 
put in order if Grissell is to have it, he must 
prepare Rails for his part as I shall have occasion for 
a great many if I am not to have that part — I should 

294 



be very glad you would give me an answer that I may 
know how to proceed — We hope Betsy and all the 

Children are well, We should be very glad to see you 
and your family here again — Piercy is well — Your 
Mother has been very ill for several days past Polly 
and myself join in our good wishes and Coin/ts to 
Betsy and yourself 

Y/rs Pers/r Frazer 
Let me hear from you by a line by the Bearer — Pierey 



wants Shoes very much. 

Addressed To 

M/r Isaac Taylor 

near Colonel Knoxes 
In 

Southwark 
favour of 
Rob Glenn 



The following inquisition is the outcome of the annoyance re- 
ferred to in the correspondence of Col. Frazer and his wife during 
1776: 

April 6. 1779. 
Pennsylvania 

Chester County Ss An [nquisition Indented and taken at East 
Whiteland in the said County of Chester the 
6th: day of April Anno Dom one thousand 
seven hundred & Seventy nine by the Oaths & affirmations of John 
Jacobs, William Denny Robert Wallace Charles \ivx-(\ David Denny, 
Aaron Phipps, Benjamin Jacoby, Paul M/c Knight, John Evans, 
Thomas Roberts and John Francis Thomas Harris, good and lawful 
men of said County, before Thomas Cheyney and David Cowpland 
Esq/rs Justices the Peace of said County to keep Assigned, and also 
to hear & determine divers other matters and things to them com- 
mitted who say upon their Oaths & affirmations aforesaid that 

William Noblitt in said County Yeoman Persifor Frazer Yeoman lonir 

since was lawfully and peaceably seized in his demesne as of Fee of 
& in one messuage with its appurtenances in Easl Whiteland afores/s 
in the County aforesaid, and his said possession so continued until 
William Noblit late of Middletown Yeoman some time in the month 
of April 1777 with strong hand into the messuage aforesaid with the 
appurtenances afores/d did enter and him the said Persifor Frazer 
thereof disseized and expelled and him the said Persifor Frazer so dis- 



295 



seized and expelled from the said Messuage and appurtenances from 
the said month of April intill the day of the taking of this Inquisition 
with strong hand did keep out and doth yet keep out to the great 
disturbance of the peace of this Commonwealth and against the form 
of the Laws in such case made and provided 

We whose names are hereunto set being the Jurors aforesaid do 
upon the Evidence now produced before us find the Inquisition afore- 
said true 

In Witness whereof we have hereto set our hands and Seals 

John Evans David Denny John Jacobs 

Tho/s Roberts Aaron Phipps W/m Denny 

John Francis Ben Jacobs Robert Wallace 

Thomas Harris Paul m/c kiuVht Charles Reed 



April 15. 1779 

Agreement of Jonathan Valentine to pay P. F. £1135 for a tract 
of land in E. Cain twp. Chester Co. but as a part is held by Sarah wife 
of John Pierce P. F. is to pay to Valentine the interest on £ 135 per 
year till her death. 



Chester: ss: Whereas information hath been given to me the 

June 7. 1779 

Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace for 
the County of Chester, that Jonathan Hunter, George 
Fryer, William Pyle, George Brinton and John Pierce 
are at this time possess'd of quantities of Grain or flour 
more than Sufficient to support their family's and stock 
to the First day of August next — And whereas divers 
familys are at this time in great want of Bread for their 
sustenance of tlie familys an d some of the persons afore- 
mentioned have refus'd to dispose of Grain or flour at the 
market price or for Continental Currency. — These are 
therefore to authorize and Command Hugh Reed — Jacob 
Vernon and Persifor Frazer to go to all or any of the 
places where any grain or flour is kept by all or any of 
the persons aforesaid and carefully examine what quan- 
tity of Grain or flour all or any of the said persons are 
possess'd of and how much thereof can be spared over and 
above what may be necessary for the support of the owner 
or possessor his or their family's or stock by them kept, 

296 



which overplus you shall appraise at the current price 
and make return of your proceedings to me — Given un- 
der my Hand and Seal this 7th day of June 1779 

Thomas Cheyney 



June 8. 1779. 

Agreable to the Orders & directions of Thomas Cheyney Esq/r 

We the subscribers went to the dwelling House of Jonathan Hunter 
of the Township of Edgemont to examine what quantity of Grain or 
flour was in the possession of the said Hunter and upon examination 
as aforesaid We found in the dwelling House of the said Hunter 
Eighty Bushells of Wheat & thirteen hundred of flour — 
Thirty Bushells whereof We think sufheient to keep & maintain the 
family & stock of the said Hunter untill the first day of Aug/t next — 
And We do appraise the said Wheat at Six pounds ten shillings p/r 
Bushell each Bushell to weigh sixty pounds & We do also appraise the 
said flour at Twenty Pounds p/r hundred weight. Witness our hands 
this 8/th day June 1779 



) June y/e 9 Samuel Oliver obtained 
■ an order for 200 of y/e above flour 



foreign ha 



nd f 



the 12 James Tomson for one hundred 

on back of sheet 

Sam/1 Oliver 2 C/t flour David Yarnall. 

Rich/d Evanson . . . . . . 1/4 C/t 



Jacob Vernon 
Hugh Reed 
Pers/r Frazer 



2 1/4 C/t 



Richard Sill 1 C/t 

Jn/o Bougher 1 C/t 

James Thomson 1 C/t 

Elinor Walters 1 C/t 

Rich/d Butler 1 C/t 

Jn/o Edward 2 



2 1/2 Wheat 

Aaron Baker 10 Bus 

John Sill 3 1/2 Bus 

James Register.... 9 Bus 

Josiah Lewis 10 1/2 Bus 



35 1/2 Bus 



Rich/d Butler 1 

Han/a Yarnall .... 3 

Levis Jones 3 

Jane Russell 

Nat/h Baker 3 

Jn/o Briggs 3 

Dan/1 Yarnall 6 



53 

(In pencil) Nathan Baker 3 

297 



From the date of the return to the Court of the report of the com- 
missioners last till Nov. 29, 1 78 1, there is no dated and signed writ- 
ing by Gen. Frazer among his papers, although there are the 
rough drafts of two memorials; one to Congress, and one to the Su- 
preme Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which must 
have been written in this interval. (See pages 265 and 270) 

During the summer of 1779 Gen. Sullivan prosecuted his Indian 
campaign in the Wyoming Valley, and in the official account of that 
campaign by the Secretary of the State of New York is a Roster con- 
taining the name of Lt. Col. Frazer as a Deputy Commissary General. 
The question of his participation in this campaign is discussed in the 
Preface. 



July 14. 1779. 

Philad/a July 14. 1779. 
Sir, 

As a Clothier General is now to be chosen, I have taken the lib- 
erty to mention your name to some of the members of Congress as a 
person very proper for that place — what the Event may be I cannot 
pretend to say; but beg you will take a ride up to Town without delay; 
as your presence may be very necessary if any thing is likely to be 
done — I shall hope to see you tn >s Evening or early to morrow morning; 
and am D/r S/r 

Yours Sincerely 

W/m Henry 
Addressed 

near Taylor's Ironworks 

Chester County 

For Sundry Reasons it would be highly 
necessary you should be here to morrow 
morning, by Breakfast Time, if possible. 



(No date.) 
Chester. Ss 

The deposition of Hannah Yarnall of the Township 
of Edgemont, taken before me the Subscriber One of the Justices &c/c 
of the said County ; who being duly affirm'd according to Law doth 
depose & say — 

That She is well acquainted with Edward Richardson the Son of 
Joseph Richardson who lives on the other side of Skuylkill as she is 
informed — that the said Edward came to live with George Peirce 

298 



las about this j n the Spring of 1782, that the said George Peirce occupys 
the plantation where this deponant which was the property of the late 
deponants late Husband & where She now resides — that the said Ed- 
ward Richardson work'd for the said Peirce from the time above men- 
tioned 'till after the next Harvest, that during this time the deponant 
often observed the said Richiso Edward go abroad & Return with a 
different Horse from that he took with Him & at one time he bro t 
two Horses to the said Peirce that about the Middle of August he 
went off as is this deponant was inform'd to Virginia. & lias been absent 
three times since t<i the same place as by the s/d Edw d informd this 
deponant was inform'd that the said Edward frequently came to the said 
Peirces & almost allways in the Night that particularly last November 
She remembers he came there in the Night & bro t a very good 
Horse afors dapple grey Horse, that he led the Horse Saddle with the 
Saddle on to the Stables, that • l1 " 1111 two Hours before day She heard a person 

walking near the House, that Sin 1 up & ob 1 rv'd the s <1 Edward Sihe went up 

to bed heard a person go up Stairs & as She believes go to l'.ed, being 
early in the Night, that late at nighl after Pence- family had gone to 
Bed, the deponant being up in her own apartment spinning she saw 
the said Edward walking up the Lane going through the Pars into the 
Lane & after some time ret he return'd X: came into her apartm/t & 
ask'd her if it was not time to go to Bed & 5 taid their aliotit half an hour, ec 
then went away — that about two hours before day She observed him 
come from towards the Barn & go towars into the s/d Peirces, — That 
this deponant often heard the said Edward declare that he had been 
join'd with the British Troops sl1 — & had been with them a consider- 
able Time & that She often heard George Peirce mention the same & 
that he served as a Light Horseman • l,n " with them — This deponent 
further saith that Cap/t Black came t0 t,K ' after the -aid Ed (torn) for 
Tax — that she understood he had been often after it but could (torn) 
find the said Edw : ard. that She heard the said Edward declare he 
would pay no taxes, that he would play them a trick' for it or words 
to that effect that the said Edward appear'd very well dressed having 
Silver Button (torn) to his Clothes & that She heard him say that he 
would never work whilst he could live without but that he would take 
the World easv — 



Between Aug. 5, 1780. and Mar. 28, 1781. 

To the Honorable the Supreme Executive Council of the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania 

The Petition & representation of the Subscribers 

299 



Inhabitants of Chester County — 
Most respectfully Sheweth 

That your Petitioners are well acquainted with Edward Grissell & 
John Willson now under j n Confinement in the Goal in Philad/a under 
a Charge of Treason — That from our knowledge of them We do ap- 
perhend it was more owing to tluir youthfull the Folly & inattention 
too C— -t incident to youth than from any real inveterate designs 
against the wellfare of their Country that privail'd with them to join 
the Enemy- — That since their return their conversation & behaviour 
so far as We have been inform'd has indicated a sincere sorrow for 
their Transgressions — 

We would further beg leave in the most respectfull manner to rep- 
resent your Honors that, their coming oft" from Enemy & bring their 
Horses, Arms & Accountriments, surrendring themselves to the 
commanding Officer of the Continental Troops, & by his permission 
coming imediately to their former place of residence & throwing 
themselves upon the Mercy of their offended Country their not en- 
deavouring to escape their Trial, though under enlargement for 
many Months & afterwards appearing without delay at the nrst Court 
of Oyer & Terminer together with the Circumstances before men- 
tioned. These alliviating particulars We would fondly hope will have 
such weight as may lessen the — recommend them to the favour of your 
Honors for Mercey and Pardon — And We do assure your Honors 
that nothing could prevail with Us to interfere in this manner did We 
apprehend those Persons were improper objects ° f y° ur 

We do therefore pray your Honors will take their Case into your 
consideration & y> eld them such re ss as your Petitioners as in duty 
bound will constantly ever acknowledge the Favour 

(Unsigned draft.) 



No date. Probably between April 5, 1780, and Mar. 22, 1781. 

To 

May it please y/r Honors 
being I have been requested to state the Characters of Edw/d Grizzell 
& Jn/o Smith Willson who stand are Qiarg'd with Treason, beg leave 
to repre— -t to inform your Honors, that I have known them both sev- 
eral years & from their former behaviour am of Opinion it was owing 
more to youthfull folly & inexperience than from any badness of heart 
that they were led into the Commission of the Crimes wherewith they 
stand Charged — Since their return I have taken particular Notice of 
their conduct & can say with truth that it has been such as show'd 

300 



their sorrow & abhorrence of the Crimes they had commtted — and as 
I have reason to believe they brought their Horses Anns & Accoutri- 
ments off with them, Hope they will meet with all the favour Usualy 
shewn to others in their Circumstances 

Col/o Persifor Frazer 
Addressed Commissioner of Purchases 

for the count v of Chester 



May 13. 1780. 

Philad/a May 13/th 1780 
Dear Sir 

I received your favour this morning by M/r Smith in 
favour of two persons now confined in the Jail of this City and under 
sentence of death — I can Just inform yon that their cases considered 
of this day week and it did not appear to be the opinion of council 
that they shou'd be executed and accordingly an order was sent to the 
Sheriff to have them removed from the Dung-eon to an upper chamber 
and to take off their Irons which I believe has been complyed with. — • 
No Warrant of execution having Issued consequently no reprieve 
cou'd take place and we are expresly prohibited from pardoning untill 
the end of the next session of the General Assembly in the cases of 
Treason and Murder this you'll see in the twentieth Sect/n of the Con- 
stitution of this State 

I make no doubt but that a Pardon will take 
Place as soon as the Assembly rises which will be in two or three 

weeks 

I have yesterday Just heard the disagreeable acc/ts 
of the murder of Boyd near your neighbourhood a collector of the 
Publick Taxes I fear the Villains have escaped the Punishment so 
Justly due Such an attrocious offence. The Marquis Fayette is ar- 
rived at Head quarters and will be in the City in a few days Various 
are the Conjectures what his Business may be Some report that he has 
a Squadron of ships of war with him and I believe it is Certain that he 
has brought over fifteen thousand Suits of Cloathing for our army 
and Likewise that he has more than ordinary Business no news from 
the Southward 

I am Sir your Very h'ble Serv/t 
Col : Frazer Jos : Gardner 

Addressed 

Col: Persifor Frazer 

Chester County 

This note probably refers to Grissell & Wilson, charged with, and apparently 
convicted of, treason. 

3OI 



M/r Reeds Compliments to Col. Frazer and begs the Favour of 
his Company to Dinner tomorrow 2 °Clock 
Sunday Morn 

Endorsed 

Col. Frazer 



Aug. II. 1780. Friend Fred/k Steen 

Please to pay unto 1 — (torn) — Gilpin Two 
hundred and Eighty five l'ou (torn) for w/ch Sum 1 
will be accountable 

from your Friend 
Aug/t 11. 1780 

Pers/r Fra (torn) 

Endorsed Received from Pers. Frazer 

the full Contents of the within 
March 1. 1781 — 

Frederick Steen 
Fre/d Steen Collector. 



October 24. 1780 

I will be answerable on demand for what Frederick 
Taylor may purchase to day at your Vendue from y/r 
Hble Servant 

Pers/r Frazer 
To M/r Sam/1 Davis 
Octo 24/th 1780 



In 1 78 1, 1782, and 1784 Persifor Frazer was elected to the Legisla- 
ture of Pennsylvania. 



May 20. 1781. This Bill bindeth me Richard Morris of the Town- 
ship of Willistown, County of Chester and State of 
Pennsylvania — Yeoman in the just Sum of Fifty 
Pounds w/th lawful Intrest Gold or Silver Money of 
the State aforesaid to be paid unto Persifor Frazer of 

302 



the Township of Thornbury in the County and State 
aforesaid, his Executors, Administrators or Assigns 
at or upon the twentieth day of .May next; For the 
true payment whereof I do hind myself my Heirs Ex- 
ecutors and Administrators and every of them in the 
Penal Sum of One Hundred Pounds of like Money as 
aforesaid accounting a Spanish milled Dollar weighing 
Seventeen penny t Six grains at Seven Shillings and 
six pence each and a Gold half Johannes of Portugal 
weighing nine penny weight at the rate of Three 
pounds each. And further I do hereby — authorise and 
impower any Attorney of any Court of Record within 
the Said State or any of the United States to appear 
for me the Said Richard Morris and after one or more 
declarations filed for the above Penalty, thereupon to 
acknowledge Judgment or Judgments as to any term 
or time after the date hereof, with Stay of Execution 
until the Said twentieth day of May next. And I do 
hereby release all Errors that may happen to he in or 
about obtaining the said Judgmen or Judgments. 
Witness my Hand and Seal this Twentieth day of May 
One Thousand Seven Hundred ami Eighty One. 

Richard Morris 

Sign'd, Seald and deliverd in presence 
of Us his 

Perry X Howard 

mark 
Mary Fallows 
N B: the words (with Lawfull Intrest were interlin'd 
before Signing 

Endorsed 

Richard Morris 
Bill 



Chester, Thursday Evening 
i Novem/r 29/th, 1 781 .) 
My D/r 

I expected to have had the satisfaction of seeing you this 
Evening, but the Quantity of Money I have receiv'd here makes it 
necessary I should go to Philad/a with it, I have sent you by Mr. 

303 



Cheyney some of the Articles you wrote for — the others I shall get if 
I can. I sent yesterday by Geo. Fryer from Philad/a to be left at 
Amos Mendenhalls, a Cag of Spirit, another of Mellasses and i 1/2 
Bus of Coarse Salt, you will please to send for them if you have not 
already done it. — I am to have 2 Bus fine Salt from Marcus Hook 
which I have paid for. — I intend to be home on Saturday Evening. 
I believe it will be best to send in the grey Horse tomorrow Evening 
and Bobby and I can ride home in the Chair — as it will be too much 
for the Horse to go and come in one day — if you should here of any 
person going to Market and send the Mare it would be still better, 
give my Love to the Children. I am My D/r polly. 

Your affectionate Husband 

Pers/r Frazer. 
Chester Thursday Evening 
Novem. 29/th 1781. 

To Mrs. Mary Frazer 
P/r fav/r of 
Col. Cheyney 



Dec. 7. 1781. Received Decern. 7. 1781 from Thomas Taylor 

One Hundred and twenty seven pounds nine shillings 
and ten pence hard money and Ten pounds State money 
on acct of the Effective Supply 

Persifor Frazer 

Endorsed Pers/r Frazer's Treas. 

acct. 



(Decem/r 9/th 1781) 
My D/r Percy 

I should be glad you Cold make besiness ansure so 
as to Come home a Fryday for I Shall be a fread to Stay any Longer 
with out you I beg you may By your Self a Cloak for your Coat is in- 
tirely Spild please to Send little Polly pair of Shouse and let me 
know by Bobby wheather or not I had best Send in the grey horse for 
you to Come home in the Chair we are all well as you Left us Ex- 
cept my Self I got a bad pain in my Left arme that Renders it all 
most useless please to give my Complement to M/r and M/rs Henery 
I am my D/r Percy 

Your affectionate wife 
Decem/r 9/th 17R1 Mary Worrall Frazer 

please to Send the News and a Almanac 
Col/o Persifor Frazer. 

304 



(Saturday Feby. 13/th, 2 oClock) 
My D/r 

The Convention have got the matter on which the Offices 
arc to depend in the Constitution as reported by the Committee, it 
has been expected to come on some days ago, but is yet undertermined 
I therefore think it best to stay and see the issue which I expect will 
be favorable — beside this, in Consequence of Mr. Duffield's death Mr. 
Henry wants me to do some business for him It is therefore likely I 
shall not see you before Tuesday or Wednesday. My love to the Chil- 
dren Bobby is well. 

Your Affect/te Husband. 

Pers/r Frazer 
Saturday Feb. 13 2 o'clock 
Mrs. Mary Frazer, Westown. 



(Saturday Morning.) 

My D/r 

It gives me much pleasure to hear that you are all well, as 
the Roads are so very bad, and as the Assembly Sit twice every day, 
it is also almost certain we shall break up on this day week I have con- 
cluded not to go home to day. Please to send in a Horse for me ag/t 
Saturday next when I hope to see all. Gideon Malin came to me on 
Monday last I agreed to let him have the place if (Norgrave (?) ) left 
i f w/ch I expected he would, but he is come to town yesterday and 
tells me he cannot leave it and that he will give me security for my 
Rent what to do with him I do not know. Malin took a line from 
me to him, but understand he did not see Norgrave, if therefore he is 
disappointed he cannot justly blame me, as it will take at least three 
Months to get him out at any rate; which will not answer Malins pur- 
pose — I intend to get Norgrave to give him information respecting it 
if you should have any oppertunity send him word. 
Percy lost the Paper, you sent to me. 

I am Y/rs affectionately 

Pers/r Frazer. 
Mrs. Mary Frazer. 



In May 25, 1782, Col. Frazer was appointed Brigadier General of 
the Militia of Pennsylvania. (See page 272.) 

305 



Philad/a March 27/th, 1782. 
My D/r Polly 

It will be unnecessary to send Bobby up this Week, 
as it is very uncertain whether I can go home or not — The Philad/a 
County Election is again taken up by the House, w/ch takes of 6 of 
our Members, and as 3 of the back Countys will return home on Sat- 
urday, will then leave but barely the Number for a Quorum of the 
House, therefore the absence of any other, will prevent any business 
being proceeded on — should the House adjourn from Saturday noon 
'till Monday 3 o'Clock, I can get Mr. Henrys Mare and ride home 
conveniently. 

Indeed I have dropt the notion of having Bobby here, unless a 
more desirable place can be had for him to live in — I was at Mrs. 
Frazer's the day you left town and found her in so disagreeable a 
situation as in prudence we would not wish our Child should take ex- 
ample from — 

Jemmy Thomson is yet in Goal, he is I am inform'd something more 
sensible of his situation than he was — I have a Petition ready to lay 
before the Court in his behalf — which is the only Resource he has left 
to get the matter settled equitably — I shall want some Linnen etc., 
and my Breeches, if you can find any convenient oppertunity pray 
send them — pray send 2 C/t of the best flour by Mr. Jones's waggon 
next week — Frederick must not neglect to have the Meadow in order. 
— if the weather is moderate next Week Pete must clean out the 
Ditches in the Meadow — Tommy Grissell must save as much shingle 
stuff out of the Timber he is cutting as will shingle the house in the 
Valley — I send you a Paper which contains all the News, except a re- 
port w/ch prevailed yesterday that the Island of Tortola was taken 
by 4 of our Privateers, tho, the report is uncertain — My best love to 
the Children I am 

Affectionately Yours 

Pers/r Frazer. 
For Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury. 



May 21. 1782. Received May 21/st 1782 from Philip Riffard Col- 

lector of Coventry, a Certificate for a recruit for 
Penns/a Line N/o 238. and Two pounds five shillings 
in Cash on Acc/t of the Tax for filling the Line. 

Pers/r Frazer 
Certificate £20 Treas/r 

Cash 2 — 5 

£22 . s 

306 



September 17. 1782. 

Order of the Orphans Court of Chester County 

Justices Benj. Bartholomew, Thomas Lewis, John Pearson, & Adam 
Grubb on petition of Persifor Frazer in right of his wife Mary for her 
share of 228 acres of land in Thornbury owned by her Father John 
Taylor who died intestate. 

It is ordered that a writ issue for division into four equally valuable 
parts — two to the eldest son tsaac, one to P. F. in right of his wife 
Mary and one to James Thompson in right of his wife Sarah. 

September 16. 1783. In Orphan's Court before Justices Benj. 
Bartholomew, Robert Smith, Adam Grubb, cc John Bartholomew, 
John Gardner high Sheriff returns a partition made in conformity with 
a writ to him of the past 26th of March. ( hi Sept. 1 1 having caused 
the parties interested to be present with W m Gibbons, C'has. Dil- 
worth, Hugh Reed, Gideon Gilpin, Sam I Mendenhall, Sam 1 Painter 
Caleb Brinton, Jos. Dilworth, Edw. Brinton, Titus Taylor, & John 
Hunt, divided the land as commanded. ( 1 fere follows the divison 1 'art 
of it "agreeable to a draft made by Anthony Wayne in [769"). 

Certification of the copy by William Gibbons Clerk of Orph, Court 



1782. Plot of Survey endorsed on back 

"Survey of my tract in the valley near 

the White Horse when 1 proposed to sell it in Lotts. 
By Mr Cha/s Dilworth. 

the whole contains 49 1/2 Acres and 39 perches 
Survey in 1782. 



M/r Reeds Compliments to Gen Frazer and begs the Favour of 
his Company to Dinner tomorrow at 2 o'Clock 
Saturday 
Endorsed 

Gen Frazer 



Aug. 29. 1782. Promissory note for £1/1 7,/6 to Persifor Frazer from 
Richard Morris. 



Feb. 27. 1783. Demand note same to same for £3, , o, , o. 

(Richard Morris to Persifor Frazer) 

3°7 



March. 10. 1783. 

My D/r Polly 



Addressed 



I wrote to you on Saturday by Mr 
Norgrove and intend to be horn on thursday Even- 
ing, therefore the Sheriff may be ready for I shall at- 
tend if if I am well — 

I am uneasy to hear you still continue poorly — I 
would by all means desire the persons concern'd in 
the Seizures to drop the matter and give up the goods, 
if they are injur'd in their acc/ts being dock'd too low 
they may apply to the Assembly by a Memorial — it 
has been attended with much trouble here as well as 
there I expect they will be sent for to day or tomor- 
row — the Sheriff will be apply'd to and it is expected 
he will not make any opposition I should be sorry to 
hear he would as some persons who were concern'd 
I believe intend to throw an odium upon him there 
fore desire he give up the goods as otherwise it will 
certainly be attended will ill consequences to him par 
ticularly 

I am yours 
Monday morning 
10/th March 1783 Pers/r Frazer 

To 
M/rs Mary Frazer 



March 3. 1783. 

The following sheet contains, with a rough draft of an amendment 
to the Militia act, probably prepared by Gen. Frazer while serving as 
a member of the Legislature, a disciplinary resolution regarding a 
member of the finance com. of the House, and loose memoranda which 
seem to refer to the lands on Canoe Creek and the Frankstown branch 
of the Juniata which have been frequently mentioned in these papers, 
and as far back as 1762. 

An Additional Supplement to an Act entitled "An Act" for the Regu- 
lation of the Militia of thls the Commonwealth of "Pennsylvania" 

Whereas by the present Militia Laws of this State now in force, 
the Supreme Executive Council are not empower'd to call out the Militia cannot 
be called out un Assembled in less three day notice be given than three days, 
after notice thereof given ; 
And whereas the peace & good Order of Government may be inter- 

308 



rupted by sudden & dangerous tumults & Riots, for the sup- 
pression of which, the imediate aid of the Militia may be expedient & 
necessary — 

Be it therefore enacted & it is hereby enacted ccc/a that from & 
after the publication of this Act, it shall & may be lawful] for the 
Supreme Executive Council & they are hereby empowered when it 
may be necessary & expedient for the support of the Civil authority 
in preserving peace ec good order ,lf within this Commonwealth to Or- 
der into actual Service Such part of the Militia by Classes, of the 
City of Philadelphia, or of any County or Counties as the exigency of 
the Case may require, &c 

And be it further enacted &c a That the several & respective Offi- 
cers and Privates of the Militia so called upon or ordered as afore- 
said shall be liable to the same lines & penaltys for refusing or neglect- 
ing to perform the Service required of them by this Act as by the 
Law to which this is a Supplement they are or may be liable to for 
neglecting or refusing to perforin a Tour of duty 



Whereas Samuel Meredith Esq/r a Member of this House & appoint- 
ed as one of the Committee of Acc/ts has hitherto very greatly misbe- 
haved himself in not attending to his duty but has from an indolent 
negligent disposition, refused to do line the Service^ required of him 
by this House, to the great injury of the public & the other Members 
who compose the Committee 

Therefore Resolved that the Said Samuel Meredith Esq/r for & in 
consequence of his Xeglect as aforesaid is hereby discharged. 



Asher Clayton ioo Acres on the North side of Franks Town Branch 

at a large Run above Standing Stone Creek. 

d/o ioo Acres on North Side of Franks town Branch at the lower end 

of small Narrows adjoining Adam Torranus improvement. 

Jn/o Little 200 Acres on Frankstown Branch about two miles above 

the Canoe Place including the Mouth of a small Run that empties into 

said Branch 

March 3/d 1783 

Col. Asher Clayton died in 1774. 



May 3. 1783. Demand note for two dollars from Richard Morris 

in favor of P. F. 

309 



Oct. 6. 1783. Lease for 999 years of Philip Stimble snuff maker 

to Frederick Fairlamb of right to build a dam — across 
Ridley Creek between the two properties of lessor 
and lessee with certain conditions for the yearly pay- 
ment of one ear of Indian corn if demanded. 

Signed Frederick Fairlamb 
Witnesses. H. H. Graham and William Graham 



Oct. 16. 1783 



B.Wine Octd/r 16/th 1783 
Sir 

Yours of the 10/th Inst/t Came to hand p/r 
John Forwood am really Sorry that I have it not in 
my power to Replace the Money at this time, w/ch 
you were so kind to Oblige me with I had depended 
on the Sheriff getting me as much Money as would 
have been Sufficient to have paid it previous to the 
last Court but that failed, hope to be able in a Short 
time, anil will give you anv thing for the Use it when 
p/d which you may think reasonable. I am Respect- 
fully Y/rs etc 

Richard Cheyney 



March 4. 1784 Note for one year given by Richd Parks to 

John Kimbler for £22, , o, , o, , Witnesses James 
Nuell, Jos. Hemphill 



March 26. 1784. To Cash Paid Owen Thomas as 

p. order from Gen/1 Frazer 45, , — , , 



£69, , 6, , 5 
40, , — , , — 



29. , 6, , 5 

Received March 26/th 1784 from Persifor Frazer 
Twenty Four Pounds, Six Shillings and five pence 

Endorsed on back Pers/r Frazer Rec/t 

310 



July 2. 1784. Philad/d July 2/d. 1784 

Dear General. 

Your warrants in my hand have not been 
surveyed at the place where they were originally de- 
signed for — the troubles at that place have prevented 
— as particular an examination of the ground as I 
could wish hitherto, And from all I can learn the land 
has been already surveyed to Doctor Smith or others 
but have not been able U> lay my hand on the drafts 
However 1 have surveyed them on as good Land 1 
believe and further down the River, which 1 have rea- 
son to believe is vacant now, but will be soon surveyed 
on new orders if not returned on old ones, Should be 
glad to see you in town and if satisfied, to endeavor to 
have them accepted and confirmed. 
I am with great respect 

Your Obe/dt Ser/t 

W/m Montgomery 
Gen/I Frazier 

Addressed General Pers/r Frazier 

Chester County- 



August. 1784. 



August term Common Pleas Chester Co. 1784. 
Richard Fen is charged by John Coxe attorney for 
John Den to answer accusation of entering with force 
and arms live acres af land leased to John Den by 
William Rawle and Elizabeth Burge the terms of the 
lease not having expired, the following letter is ap- 
pended. 

Mr Nathaniel Norgrove 

I am informed that you are in possession of 
or claim title to the premises in this declaration men- 
tioned or to some part thereof and I being such in this 
action as a casual ejector and having no claim or title 
to the same do advise you to appear next November 
term in the Court of Common Pleas for the County of 
Chester and then and there cause yourself to be made 
defendant in my stead otherwise I shall suffer judge- 
ment to be entered against me and you will be turned 
out of possession. 

Your loving friend 
August 31/st 1784. Richard Fen 



3" 



Endorsed on back This ejectment brought by Mr. Rawle on a false 

information that I claimed within his lines, it was 
agreed to leave the matter to W/m Beal and Jno Bar- 
tholomew Esqrs. ; their report to be enter'd as record 
by Rule of Court who accordingly met Aug. 13. 1785 
on the Premises in dispute and without any hesitation 
made a return that there was no cause of action. 



Undated plot of Road near the turnpike Chester County 

left by Mr. Bowen. Mr Weaver Surveyor 



Sept. 4. 1784. An indenture of Samuel Edenton a negro lad to 

Persifor Frazer for eleven years in consideration of his 
food and shelter for six months schooling. 

Chester. Executed before William Nesbet (or 
Heslet) 
Witnesses Charles Dilworth and Mary Fallows 

Darby September 30/th 1784 
Sir/ 

By these few lines you will be informed that I am in health at 
present, hoping that this will find you and yours in y/e same state, but 
several of my family have been very ill with the fever, and a Vomiting 
and purging, but at present Seem on the mending hand, — I expect 
Our people will have a meeting before y/e Ellection, to form a Ticket, 
I should have been very glad to have been at it, but am a fraid I shall 
not have it in my power to come, as I have Just Begun a a great Job 
of Work at Mud Island, putting up Several Hundred Rods of Stone 
wall, which will employ my Whole time for Severall Weeks to Come 
as I Shall have Eight or Ten hands in employ y/e Whole time. — but if 
it is in my Power to Come to the meeting I will be there, if I am not. 
you will please to appologize for my not being there, as I expect you 
will attend if in health. Indeed I would wish you would make it a 
point to attend, as it will be very Necessary to make a prudent and 
wise Choice at the Next Ellection as much So as at any ellection Since 
the revolution You have no doubt heard that our most Invaluable 
Constitution is to undergoe no Change for Seven years more, that 
Tiranical Aristocratick faction in the Council of Censors being at 
length disapointed, it behooves us to double our diligence to make a 
good and Wise Choice of Such men as will Stick Close to the principles 
of the Constitution and endeavour not to Violate it in any one In- 

312 



stance, If that is done by the different Officers of Government, if the 
Constitution has deffects they will appear, and it will then be time 
enough to make Alterations there is no way to know whether a Law 
is a good and Wholesom Law but by the execution of it, if it has faults 
it is time a neugh to mend them when they are known — 1 think our 
House of Assembly for this three years past at least, has done every 
thing in thare power to Violate the Constitution in Order to render it 
as Odious as possable to pave the way for the intended Change — how 
is it possable to know whether a Code of Laws is — good or not, if 
those who have the execution of them will not execute them agreeable 
to the Letter and Spirit thereof — but 1 Shall tire you on this Topick — 
I would not be thought to dictate to the Gentlemen who may meet for 
y/e purpose already mentioned, but have been of Opinion that it would 
not perhaps be [mpolitick to Continue Joseph Parke, as in the affair 
of the Court House he Voted against the removal, and is a easy good 
kind of a man, by all Means endeavor to make Choice of Such men as 
are Prety Popular, and have the publick good at heart or, We can not 
Carry our point, but I am too Tedious, So I Subscribe my Self your 
friend and Humble Serv, t 

Benj/n Braman. 
M r Persifor Frazer 



November 15. 1784. 

A bill in equity of 44 pages to His Majesty's Court of Exchequer 
in Ireland drawn by Anthony Blackburn recites at length the history 
of the various ownerships divisions and partitions of the lands of 
Cowan and Clanickney, illegally appropriated through conspiracy of 
John Graecen and Alex. Montgomery Jr. and kept from possession 
of the rightful owners among whom were Persifor Frazer inheriting 
through his Mother Mary (Smith) Frazer. 

He Prays for an Injunction and Receiver. 



The following paper was apparently forwarded from Ireland with 
the complaint in order that Gen. Frazer might sign and return it, 
which he evidently did not. 

S d 

2/6 

The several Answers of Pierce Frazier one of the Defend- 



Seal I ants to the Bill of Complaint of Robert Greacen of Clanick- 
1 ney in the County of Monaghan — Gentleman Complainant. 



313 



This Defendant saving and reserving to himself both now and at all 
times hereafter all manner of Benefit and advantage of Exceptions 
which can or may be had or taken to the many untruths uncertainties 
and other the Imperfections in the said Bill of Complaint contained 
or to so much thereof as this Defendant is advised Materially con- 
cerns him to make answer unto. 

Answering Saith he does hereby Admit the several Charges and 
Allegations in the Complainants Bill of Complaint contained as 
therein particularly Stated, and does Submit to such Decree as 
this Honorable Court shall be pleased to make for the Complain- 
ants Relief And this Defendant Denys all and all manner of 
Combination and Confederacy by the Bill charged against him with- 
out, this that any other Matter or thing- — whatsoever in the Com- 
plainants said Bill of Complaint contained material or Effectual in the 
Law for this Defendant to make Answer unto and not herein and 
hereby sufficiently answered unto Confessed or avoided Traversed or 
Denied is true, all which Matters and Things this Defendant is ready 
and willing to Averr Justify Maintain and prove as this Honorable 
Court shall award, and therefore He humbly prays to be hence Dis- 
missed with his reasonable Costs and Charges in this behalf most 
wrongfully Sustained. — 

Thomas Johnston Attorney James M/cClelland 

for the Defendants 

M/r Frazier signs 
On a slip of paper pinned his name here and 

to the parchment a i so M/r Morrison without 

Swearing 

No date. 



Among the papers is a Psalm book 6^ x 3-J and an inch in thick- 
ness. Bound in brown leather and much worn. The cover has come 
off and been restitched with white thread. Over all is a coarse muslin 
chequered cover secured by white thread. Inside of the left hand 
cover is the word "Mary," and on the last fly leaf "Mary W. Frazer." 
On the inside of the right hand cover at the top is written "Simon 
Girty was of the" — and below "Mary W. Fr. Frazer" 

On the first page & fly leaf is written, apparently not in the hand- 
writing of Gen. Frazer, "Persifor Frazer book 1784" and on the leather 
of the last cover are scratched, as if with a pin, "Martha Frazer" and 
"Eliza Frazer." 

The book is of 307 pages. The title is 

3H 



"Psalms carefully suited to the Christian Worship in the United States 
of America being an Improvement of the old Version of the Psalms 
of David — allowed by the Reverend Synod of New York & Philadel- 
phia to be used in churches and private families. 

All things written in the law of Moses and the prophets and the 
Psalms concerning Me must be fulfilled. — Philadelphia. Printed by- 
Francis Bailey at Yorick head in Market Street. MDCCLXXXVII. 

(Second fly leaf). The Synod of New York and Philadelphia did 
allow Dr. Watt's Imitation of David's Psalms, as revised by Mr. liar- 
low to be sung in the churches and families under their care" 

Extract from the records of the Synod by George Duffield I). D. 

Stated ( 'lerk i if Synod. 



Alongside this psalm book is a part of a small hook of slightly less 
size from p. 179 to p. 320 on "the Lord's Supper." 



January 8. 1785. 

Assignment by William Henry to I'. F. of his warrant issued August 
25. ijK-ito four hundred acres of land in Washington County I'a. con- 
tiguous to P. F's land there. 

Witnesses Hannah Taylor & Samuel Kelso 



January 8. 1785. 

Similar assignment to P. F. by Hannah Taylor of warrant i-sued 
Aug. 25. 1784 for four hundred acres of land in Washington Co. I'a. 
adjoining Henry's land. 

Witnesses W/m Henry and Sam/1 Kelso 



(Sunday Morning, Feby. 5/th, 1785.) 
My Dear 

1 have sent you a loaf of Sugar. 1, lb Suchong Tea, 3 Nut- 
megs and a paper of Pins. 1 have not as yet got the Linnen, 1 have 
been in many Shops but can meet w/th none wide enough, however 
shall make further enquiry and bring it with me if any can be got 
suteable. L have given to Armstrong 2 French Crowns in Town, 
w/ch please to charge to him. Your Friends in Town are all well, 
I am 

Your affectionate Husband 
Sunday Morning Feb. 5, 1785 Pers/r Frazer. 

Mrs. Mary Frazer. 

315 



April 21. 1785 

Promissory note Robt. Davis to P. F. for £ 8 , , 6 , , 10. 
Witnesses Philip Smith, Edvv. Carney. 



THE COMMISSION OF INVESTIGATION SENT BY THE PENNSYLVANIA 
ASSEMBLY TO THE WYOMING VALLEY. 

The following is a diary of the journey of a commission despatched 
by the Assembly of Pennsylvania to inquire into and find a means of 
settling the disputes between the residents of the Wyoming Valley 
which grew out of the rival claims of Connecticut and Pennsylvania to 
the territory. 

This diary is contained in a small paper book 4" x 6|" of thirteen 
leaves with paste board covers under red marbled paper. 

1785 (?) 
On Saturday the 23/d day of April left home for Philad/a On a journey 
to Wyoming in Company w/th Colonel Bayard and Col/o Smith by 
order of the Assembly — arrived at philad/a ab/t 12 OClock, on Sun- 
day went with Col/o Smith home to M/tGomerry 23 Miles and re- 
main'd there 'till Tuesday morning at w/ch time we set off at arriv'd 
at Bethlehem that evening, On Wednesday rode to Col/o Strouds, 
on thursday to Savitzes near the Swamp, on friday morning went as 
far as Dunchanna the first Creek in the Swamp but the Waters being 
high return'd again to Savitzes and remained there that night on Sat- 
urday morning went again to Col/o Strouds, and from thence to M/r 
Jn/o Vancampens on Delaware where We remain'd a 8 ain till Sunday 
evening and then return'd to Col/o Strouds waiting for an answer from 
Wyoming to a Letter sent by express from Dunchanna on Friday, 
on Tuesday Monday rec/d a Letter from David Meade Esq/r in an- 
swer to ours — finding the Waters had fell set off that evening 
to Savitzes Col/o Stroud accompanying us, remained there all 
night and set off early Wednesday Tuesday morning on our Journey 
through the Swamp to Wyoming, the Roads very bad, at the 
Leghy (Lehigh) my mare stumbled on the Rocks and threw into the 
River and lost my hat, shifted and put on some dry Cloaths, mounted 
again and rode 12 miles to the next house, in the Evening got 
into Wyoming ab/t 7 oC'lock Thursday Wednesday morning Col/o 
Bayard Wrote to M/r Meade and Colonel Butler informing them of 
our appointm/t to examine into the disturbances existing at Wyoming 
and appointed them to meet Us at M/r Hollabacks — Col/o Butler 
and M/r Meade met us accord/g to appointment Col/o Butler 

316 



proffeses to be inclin'd to have governm/t properly Supported and 
appears displeased w/th the outrages that have been committed ag/t 
the Penn/a Claimants, We have discoursed with many others who 
are of the same Sentiments notice is to be given to the Committee of 
the Inhabitants appointed to confer with Us to meet to morrow — 
Thursday .May 5 tb Breakfasted w/th M, r Meade in C/o w/th Col/o 
Butler and in the afternoon met the Committee at Cap/t Shotts's 
open'd to them the business for w/ch we were appoint'd and what the 
Governm/t expected of them in or to the support of Civil Authority. 



Wyoming, May 6, 1785. 
GENTLEMEN. 

IN conformity to our promise made to you in the conference held 
yesterday afternoon, we now propose to you the following Queries, 
which we wish you seriously to consider, and favour us with your 
answer as soon as possible. 

1st, Is it the wish and determination of the people, you represent, 
called the Connecticut claimants, to submit to, and support the laws and 
constitution of this State? 

2d, Will they support and countenance the civil officers in the 
regular administration of justice, and oppose all illegal and uncon- 
stitutional measures that may be taken by any persons contrary 
tbereto? 

3d, As the Legislature have fully evinced their determination to 
protect the citizens, in every part of the State, in the full enjoyment 
of life, liberty, and property; and as you are well acquainted with the 
measures that have been taken to punish those who, in a lawless man- 
ner, dispossessed a number of settlers last May, we wish to be informed, 
by what authority a number of people who were peaceable inhabitants, 
have, during the course of the Winter and Spring, been dispossessed 
of their property, and ordered to remove from this place, — and 
whether the persons, affirming and executing such authority, are sup- 
ported and countenanced by the people you represent? 

We sincerely wish for a satisfactory answer to the above Queries, 
which may tend to the restoration of peace and good order to all the 
inbabitants of this unhappy settlement. We are, 

GENTLEMEN, 

Your very humble Servants, 
Mess. Zcbulon Butler and others, a Com- JOHN BAYARD. 
mittee appointed to confer with a Com- l'ERSIFOR FRAZER. 
mittce of the General Assembly. GEORGE SMITH. 

No. 11. 
317 



Loose page printed document. 

(344) 
N/o. ii. 

Wyoming, May 6, 178 s; 

GENTLEME N, 

WE received your billet this 6th of May, 1785, and think the prospect 
of an amicable compromise very near at hand, and likewise hope, gen- 
tlemen, that you may be used as the happy instruments, under the 
great Jehovah, of restoring peace and good order to this settlement, 
according to the Constitution of Pennsylvania — Gentlemen, your first 
question is as follows, viz. Is it the wish and determination of the peo- 
ple you represent, called the Connecticut claimants, to submit to, and 
support the laws and constitution of this State? Answer. Tis the 
desire and wish of us and the people we represent to support the con- 
stitutional laws and constitution of the State of Pennsylvania, and has 

been, ever since the decree at Trenton. Gentlemen, your second 

question is as follows, vis. Will they support and countenance the 
civil officers in the regular administration of justice, and oppose all 
illegal and unconstitutional measures which may be taken by any per- 
sons contrary thereto? In answer to your second question, we assert, 
and are able maintain, that there never have been any civil officers, 
according to the constitution of the State of Pennsylvania, elected in 
this settlement, since the decree at Trenton. Let us have constitu- 
tional civil officers, that is, men elected by us, at an open and general 
election warned according to the laws of this State ; such civil officers 
we will support, in the full and regular administration of justice, with 
our lives and fortunes. Gentlemen, in answer to your third ques- 
tion, or rather requisition, which is as follows, vis. We wish to be in- 
formed by what authority a number of persons, who were peaceable 
inhabitants, have during the course of last Winter and Spring, been 
dispossessed of their property, and ordered to remove from this settle- 
ment; and whether the persons, assuming and executing such au- 
thority, are supported and countenanced by the people you represent? 
Gentlemen, in compliance with your wish of information, bv what au- 
thority a number of peaceable inhabitants have, during the course of last 
Winter and Spring, been dispossessed of their property, and ordered to re- 
move from this settlement. — we answer in the categorical stile, and 
affirm that no peaceable inhabitants, as you call them, on this settle- 
ment, have ever been ordered to remove off this settlement or 
dispossessed of their property in any respect whatsoever, by us or 
those whom we represent, to our knowledge; — the people whom 
we represent, and we the committee, never countenanced the order- 
ing off any of the peaceable inhabitants of this settlement, or any of 

318 



their property being taken. — Gentlemen, if you have had any com- 
plaint of such a nature as represent in your billet, we would wish to 
know the complainants of such a falsehood, and that they should be 
brought before you and this committee, if this falls under your cog- 
nizance. Gentlemen, we would wish to ask the following questions, 
and desire your solution on each question. 

Quest. I. Whether those person- who came into this settlement 
under the patronage of Alexander Patterson, a year last fall, and took 
violent possession of lands and houses, and still retain the same, which 
was justly held by the Connecticut claimant , and who were in peaceable 
possession of these lands and houses, can. according to law and the 
constitution of this State, be called peaceable inhabitants? 

Quest. 

End of the pa 



Sir, 



Easton (Sunday) June [2 'th 1785 

Last night your Letter of ,: e to th instant was handed to 
us by Sheriff Antis, and we are pi a ed with your present pros- 
1 ts respecting the conduct of the Inhabitants in your part of 
the countv of Northumberland. The Sheriff informs us, that he 
has arrested four of the persons named in our Precepts without 
meeting with any resistance, and that seventy seven of the 
Inhabitants, whose names he has given to us in writing, attended 
Upon him at the first Summons, and afforded him every necessary 
aid ; this dutiful behaviour and active obedience to the Laws gives 
us a singular satisfaction. 

1 lenry M/cCormick. who has been accused by M/r Alexander 
Patterson with being an Accomplice in the murder of Lieutenant 
Sam 1 Reed, has appeared before us and given such an account 
of himself and of the places where he was and the company in 
which he was at the time this fatal deed was perpetrated, that 
we arc induced to admit him to Bail, and request you will take 
his recognizance accordingly, himself in £ 500 , , and two sureties 
in 6250,, each. Yon • ' ecog lizances from any of the 

other persons, who have been or shall be arrested for crimes 
charged against them inferior to felony, in £ 100.. each of the 
parties, and two sureties in £ 50. . each. As to any of the per- 
sons accused of felony, who may be brought before von. examine 
the witnesses, and take their own examinations in writing, and if 
upon the whole matter you shall be of opinion, that it is doubt- 
ful whether they are guilty or not. we are willing, on this oc- 

3 ! 9 



casion, that they be bailed in the like manner and sums with 
Henry M/cCormick. 

We flatter ourselves, that these misguided and mistaken people 
will yet return to their duty, and enjoy the blessings attendant 
on peace, order and legal Government. 

We sincerely wish you quiet, security and happiness, and are 
with esteem, 

Sir, 
Your most obedient servants 

Tho/s M : Kean 



Jacob Rush 
David Mead Esquire. 

Addressed 

David Mead Esquire, One of the Justices of the Peace for North- 
umberland, At Wioming 
Favored by Henry Antis Esq/r Sheriff. 



Wyoming (Friday) June 24/th 1785 
Sir 

We Rec/d yours of this day, have Perus/d the same, in 
which you desire an explicit and Candid Answer whether we and 
the people will Support you in the execution of your Office. — Be 
assured We will and mean to Comply with and Support the Laws 
of this State and all Constitutional Officers but we cannot Answer 
for the people — therefore we think it proper if you are Ancious 
to know their minds for you to call them together and hear them 
by which means you/1 satisfy yourself 

We are Sir your/s etc. 

W/m Hooker Smith 
Abel Peirce 
Rob/t M/c Dowl 
Abel yarington 
H M Cormick 
Benj/n Bailey 
David Mead Esq/r 

Endorsed 

their Answer N/o 2 

David Mead Esq. 

Letter from inhabitants of Wyoming to David Mead 

24/th June 1785 



Wioming (Tuesday) July 4/tli 1785 
Gentlemen 

my address and Request of the -'4, th of June was 
merit General, which was only answered in part. 

Therefore I once more request you as before to let me know 
the sentiments of the People, as your Information will be more 
satisfactory to me than Otherwise, when we shall Perhaps be able 
to form an Idea wheather yon and the Inhabitants who Profess 
allegiance to the State of Pennsylvania are able to support its 
I aws or not. 



Mess/rs Abel Pearce 

John Hagerman 
Benj. Baly 
W/m H. Smith 
Abel Yarington 
Lord Butler 
Henry M/cCormick 

and Robert M/cDole 

Endorsed 

Letter N/o 3 



I am in the meantime your 
Hb/1 Serv/t David Mead 



Copy 



Acc/t of Expenses to Wyoming 



Ap/1 26/th 



32 

9 
12 



27 



28 
29 



Rec/'d from Col/o Bayard. 



Paid Expenses at Caron 

at Savitzes. . . . 

Ferriage Lehy 

Bethlehem 

Received from Col/o Bayard 

1 . . 17 . .6 

Beth Nazareth 

Boy at Bethlem 

Echan to Wind gap 

Col/o Strouds 

Savitzes near Ford , 

Boy at Strouds , 

To a guide 



£ 7 . . 15 



5 

12 
2 

3 



17 

3 
12 

4 
5 
7 



3 

3 



321 



3° 
May 2 

3 



at Savitzes again, 
at Van Campen. . 
at Col/o Strouds. 
for shoing 



at Savitzes again. 



7 
i 

i 



£n 



9 

4 

2 

3 
3 



5 
6 



May 3/d 



9 
io 

io 

13 

14 



15 



May i6/th 

17 



; r Savitze for going 



bro/t over £ 

Paid Chris 

to Wioming etc 

Rec/d from Col/o Smith in 

Cash £i..2.6 

Rec/d from Col/o Bayard . .7.6 

Expenses at Tobyhanna 

at Bullocks 



11 



Rec/d from Col/o Bayard £18 . 15 

Paid at Wyoming 

at Wappollopo 

at Nescopack 

at Webbs 8/4. Shoing 1/6 Guide 2/ 

at Northumberland 

Paid Boatman for our Passage 

from Sunbury to Sturgeons. . 

Expenses at Sturgeons 

at Harris's Ferry 

at Hummels town 

at Col/o Ornd 



£i3 
11 



34 



Bro/t Over £ 

at Dunkard Town 

at the Ball 

at Little Brandewine 

at Webbs 

Shoeing 

a Gibbons's 

at Ferry 



34 



7 
2 



16 

15 

1 

19 
11 

12 

13 
3 

15 

3 

10 



£ 36 



1 
16 

6 

4 

1 1 

2 

4 
3 

10 



1 1 

5 
6 

10 

6 
9 



1 1 



1 1 
1 
1 

7 
6 

10 



Rec/d from Col/o Bavard i/io 

Coi/o Smith 8/4 | 30 . . 7 . . 8J 

I 

I 6- . 2. . 3^ 

Paid by Col/o Bayard for a Horse. |£i8 . . 

Tobacco I . . 5 

Shoing the Horse I . . 7 . 6 

Stationary j . . 4 . . 6 

I 18. . 17. • 




Loose page printed document. 
(343) 
ed to put them to the test, and advised Mr. Meade, in case of any 
application to him by persons injured, to proceed according to law 
against the offenders, and we earnestly requested col. Bailer and capt. 
Schott to assist and support him in the execution of his office. In the 
mean time, we concluded it best to return by Northumberland, in order 
to send up the Sheriff, (whose authority they did not dispute) who had 
sundry precepts issued from the Supreme Court which were not served. 
On our arrival at Sunbury, we found the Sheriff from home, but had 
him immediately sent for. with our earnest request, that he would 
without delay proceed tc Wyoming and serve his precepts. 

Should they submit to his authority, and be brought to trial, we vet 
hope they may be reduced to order; but should they refuse submission, 
government will see the necessity of speedily taking other measures. 

At Northumberland we received the inclosed letter N/o. VI. from 
Mr. Meade, and sent him our answer N/o. VII. 

We have now laid before Council the most material parts of our 
negotiations with the inhabitants of Wyoming: and should there be any 
further information that it is in our power to give, we shall be happy in 
communicating it And are. with due respect, 

GENTLEMEN, 

Your most obedient Servants, 
JOHN BAYARD 
His Excellency the President and the PERSIFOR FRAZER. 

Supreme Executive Council. GEORGE SMITH. 

N/o. 1. 

End of the pa 



323 



Journey to properties owned by Gen. Frazer on the Juniata river. 

Set from home the 27/th Sep/r 1785 for Frankstown — lay the i/st 
night at Mill Creek — Wednes/y night at Chambers ferry on Susque- 

hannah, Thursday n/t at G Millers on juniata, Friday n/t at J as 

Pattesons, Saturd Jn/o Harris's Esq/r Saturday n/t at W/m Brown 
Esq/r Sunday n/t at the stand/g Stone, Monday n/t at Cha/s Cald- 
wells near Harts Log. Tuesday n/t at Wolfs near Frankstown Wed- 
nesday night at Rob Caldwell; near Little Juniata, Thursday n/t 
Stand/g Stone Friday n/t at one Johnston's on Juniata, Saturday night 
at Col/o Buchanans Old Town Keshec'/as Sunday night at James 
Pattersons, Monday night Cross'd Susquehannah and lay at Reeds 
Ferry. Tuesday night at Middletown, Wednesd/y n/t at Ja/s Clemsons 
in Leacock Thursday night at Home — 

from Pattersons to the Mouth of Juniata 20 Miles, to Coxes Town n 
Miles 5 Miles to Harris s ferry 9 Miles to Middletown. — 

From Kishecocalus old Town down the River to Jn/o Harris Esq/r 
12 Miles to Ja/s Pattersons 4 Miles, to Millers Tavern 11 Miles to 
Shades mill 1 1/2 Miles to Gillespies 9 to Reeds Ferry 6 Miles to 
Sturgeons Mills 7 Miles to Harris's Ferry 10 Miles. 

From Pattersons to Kisl1 M/r Harris's 4 Miles — to Kishacaqualos 
old town Col/o Buchanans 12 Miles — to W/m Brown Esq/rs 5 
Miles to Standing Stone 30 Miles to the mouth of little Juniata 7 Miles 
to Cha/s Water Street 3 Miles, to the Canoe Narrows 10 Miles, to 
Gripes the upper end of our Tract 6 Miles, from the Standing Stone to 
the Springs 6 Miles, from Standing Stone to Bedford : 47 Miles, from 
Frankstown to the Gap Old gap of Allegeny 5 Miles to the Kittanning 
town 25 Miles, from franks town to Bedford 35 miles from Stand/g 
Stone to Sunbury 60 Miles, from Stand/g Stone to Bald Eagle old 
Town 30 Miles, to the big Island. 20 Miles. 

Samuel Gripe lives above the tract J"/° Gripe Daniel Gripe part of his 
on our land Leonard Wolf — lives above the Tract Christian Shively 
Simon Mason both those live on our Tracts Jn/o White on the South 
side of Frankstown branch The upper Line of P. Frazers Tract runs 
thro Daniel Gripes Fields and runs down to the River near a large 
rocky ripple, then down the River perches and Crosses the 

River near the upper End of a Bottom on W/ch Jn/o White lives and 
Corners at a Walnut Tree near a run ; there are a number of mark'd 
Trees along the Lines of our Several Tracts, The Corner White Oak 
between D M/cMurtrie and Adam Weaver is a little beyond James 
M/cDaniels Field, a little below the road that leads up the River — 



The Corner of Anthony Sniders Land is a Corner of the Canoe Tract 
and Stands on the Western Side of the River near a Small lick, 



The following Warrants were issued in 1762 — viz: 

To \V/m Patterson for 200 As on a Run at the West end of Kis- 
hecocalus Valley includ g a Spring, from March i/st 1760 — 

To W/m Patterson 200 A/s upon a Run on the Trading Path to the 
Ohio March 1760 

To W/m Patterson on the Franks town branch of Juniata adjoining 
the Canoe Place for 100 A/s March 1760 

Rob/t Tuckness on both sides of lost Creek 

Charles Williams on the head of Woods Run. 

Alex/r Stedman on the south side of Juniata joining Alex/r Lowry 
and to extend up s/d Creek — 

Alex/r Stedman on the South Side of Juniata above the large bend 
joining Thorntons improvem/t — 

Alex/r Stedman on both sides of Thomas Mitchells improvem/t R nn on 
the Traders Path about a Mile from Mitchells improvem t including 
a Mill Seat 

John Barr 200 A/s oppasite the Canoe Place — 

Geo. Bridges 300 A/s on little Tuscarora about 3 or 4 miles from the 
big Crossing of Tuscarora, dated July 10th 1762 

Daniel Jones 250 A/s on Muddy Run and on the Traders Path this 
Side the Shade Mountain dated July 10th 1762 

The Land P at Aughwick Patente'd to Foley is bounded on the 
by Ja/s Galbreath on one side, Daniel Clark on another side, David 
M/cClure on another and Owens Hill on another 

Warrant in July or Aug/t 1784. 

Survey'd by Geo: Woods and patented I think in February last 1785 

325 



Memo: To enquiri of Col/o W/m M/tGomerry respecting M/r Clay- 
tons Land on Chilisquakee whether the 100 A/s w/ch were sold for 
Taxes has been released and if there is any other demand for Taxes 
ag/t them the names of the Persons who took up the two Tracts, 
Edward Clayton and Ellis Wright — and to enquire of Cap/t Willson 
respecting Col/o Claytons Papers, whether any were left in the hands 
of Col/o Hunter and if he knows of any lands they were jointly con- 
cern'd in 

My Expences to Frankstown from | 
the 27/th of Sep/r to the j 
13/th October being 17 | 
days is | £ 5 . . — . . — 



The President of Congress 

presents his compliments to 

Gen/1 Frazer 

and requests the favor of his company 

at dinner on Saturday next at 4 — 

o'clock precisely 

Wednesday 27 Nov. 



Waynesborough 9th Jany 1786. 
Dear Sir 

I arrived from Phila. last evening our friends Morris, 
Clymer, Fitzimons etc. are exceedingly anxious about the Chester 
Election and requested me to write you on the subject — Frazer is the 
person who will be run by the Constitutionalists to a man — we must 
have no division in our ticket your people must make a sacrifice of 
private prejudice to Public Utility — for rest assured you will not have 
one man to spare on the third reading of the Law for Modifying the 
test — I fear that the person who will be returned for Montgomery — 
will be of a differentComplexion to Recce — Procter is a weather cock 
ready to turn with any wind that blows — Brown of Northampton has 
already told us he goes no farther than the publication with us — thus 
Circumstanced I am Confident that you will exert every influence and 
argument in your power to return Willing — I shall be in Chester where 
1 will endeavour to> keep things right. 

Interim I am with sincere Esteem 

Your friend and Hum Sert. 

Anty Wayne. 
Wayne to John Hannum, Esq. 

326 



Jan. 12. 1786 

Fragment of a deed conveying land by Adam Weaver to Persifor Frazer. 



TO MY LOVING FRIENDS 

The Quakers and Presbyterians of 
Chester County, 

Your VOTE and INTEREST is desired for 

your Friend W LL, 

at the approaching Election. 

AND I hope you will think tliis Request reasonable, when 1 tell you, 
how for above 30 Years together, my Father treated all the Quakers 
as no Christians, and as unlit to he either Magistrates, Witnesses or 
Assembly-men; the Presbyterians as Rogues and Rebels, that were 
not fit to be trusted with any of the Powers of Government; And in 
this Opinion I his Son was bred, and always shall continue, — except at 
Elcctioii-Tiines. 

1 do assure you. you may safely trust me; for in all things both civil 
and ecclesiastical that come before the Assembly, 1 take good Advice; 
nay, of a no worse Man than the chief PARSON of the Province; 
who, you may be sure, loves you all dearly. 

We have always for good Reasons refused to chuse a Trustee of the 
Loan-Office for an Assembly-man ; especially one that will carry 
about a List of those that are in Arrear in their Payments, on purpose 
to expose such as are not his Creatures: But, upon this Occasion, I 
hope you'll change your Mind ; because, Our Trustee is my Friend, and 
zve have agreed to join Interests. 

Ill-minded People say any thing; Nay, they report I did not vote 
against the 6oo£ given for the Relief of our poor People, who were 
made Prisoners, and must have starved in Prison, if our Government 
had not taken some Care of them : But in this they do me no great 
Wrong, for I neither voted for nor against it. 

I'm sure I've always been careful of the People's Privileges: For 
when our present Assembly-men, who now appear against me, were 
so unconscionable as to oppose our Governor's Sitting at the Head of 
the Court of Chancery; I thought there could be nothing better done 
for you than to allow a Governor, with a Council of his own ehusing, 
to have the sole Power of disposing both of your Liberties and Proper- 
ties: Which I hope you will not forget. 

I could say much more of my self; but Modesty won't allow me: 
and therefore I depend upon your making good Use of these few Hints. 

Endorsed Upon — W 11 

at an Election 

327 



Neither the date nor the purpose of this broadside is known. The 
satire is the the kind very common in the Province and State of Penn- 
sylvania during the greater part of the XVIIIth Century. Thomas 
Cheney in his letter to Lt Col Frazer dated Sept i. 1778 says "Dunlap 
informs us nothing about you, his paper 3 sides advertisements and ye 
4th contain Dispa/es from Constantinople or some fine addresses to ye 
Quakers — insignificant stuff." It may be that the author of those ad- 
dresses in Dunlap's "Pennsylvania Packet" (which became a daily in 
1784 and was the precursor of the North American and United States 
Gazette) wrote the above cynical skit." 



r<eb. 17. 1786. Manallan Township Fayette County 

D/r Sir I wrote you aboute ten Days ago that I was 
then going to Washington to meake Inquiry Respect- 
ing youre lands, I last night Returned and shall now 
give you the best aCount I am abel, my health Con- 
tinuing So Bad and a Smart Snow fawlling I epplyed 
to Mr. Reddock who is well aquented with the lands, 
his aCount must therefoure be more Satisfactery to 
you then any I could give you had I — Seen the lands — 
Persifor Frazers warrant is Executed. 400 acras and 
128. perches atrack of good land well Watered with 
plenty of good medow ground and knows of no other 
Cleam — 

332 acras and 48 perches Surveyed for W/m Hen- 
derson is also a good track of land with plenty of 
water and meadow ground no otherCleamelnterfers — 
300 acras for Mary Fallows good land but a great 
part Cleamed by Matthew Richey Esq/r now Sir I 
should Recommend to take out y/e pattant as Soon 
as posabel if not Cavited by Richey, these three tracks 
are all Returned into the Survayer general/s office — 
W/m Henry and Hannah Taylors warrants are in the 
hands of M/r Redocks Deputees and are not Ex- 
ecuted but M/r Redock asurs me he will attend to the 
business and make Return as Soon as posabel — 
the land at the mouth of Racoon that Sam/1 Kelso/s 
warrant Calls for is Survayed for James Braeden on 
averginea (a Virginia?) Certificate but M/r Redock 
thinks it will not ly there and for a state of the Case 
Refars you to Bredens Return in in the Survayor Gen- 

328 



c 



9-r f 



a)' 



~ ~,...o.,.** j k ..„a/, y/v f*/i-~J/L ,<~,,.^«, 
,&A £ ,,,., iC^jLj //;,<■ ,.„w „„,?/ //r ^ £ ,-^^UU 

r ,c<*ZC, ty)~ ,/-;S; ;/,„;& £ «.^ ^^ 



a i 7 



1 



it<rj - Vo s, 






/5 *•** 



w 0v (-'i v ' y 



*./ /* K m ff^t-i. — *.•£-?'" 



2&.££ }&hi&~*£>. 






-) 



L: 



Appointment of General Frazer by David Rittenhouse as inspector of the paper be- 
ing manufactured for tbe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The entire note is in the 
handwriting of the signed. Six-tenths, lineal measurement, of the original. 



Addressed 



erals Office this track is prime first Reate land and is 
u i irth any tow of the others. 

1 have been in So had aState of health for some time 
past that I hardly Ever Expect to Se youre County 
ageane I Should he glad to here from you by the Re- 
turn of M, r Smiley if there is any thing I Can Sarve 
you in it will give me aplisure to do it I am glad to 
hear oure members from the hack Countys Discharge 
there trust so well hut we heave Confidance in the 
men we Send 1 hope this County will never loos ther 
Sences So far as to prefar any one to M/r Smiley, I 
heave not hard who is gone from this State to Con- 
gress this yeare, tell me how the Chester members 
Conduct thos I Can gess at that and whether there 
are like to he another Expidition to the new Court 
house you will be good anuf to Remember me to Co/1 
Cheney and his family Major Harper and his, I am 
Scarce ahel to Set up to Scrawl this So Conclude with 
Reale Esteem 

February y/e 17/th 1786 W/m Whiteside 

Persifor Frazer Esq/r 

N B M r Redock lives in the town of Washington is 
alawer (a lawyer?) and and will be very Redy to give 
you any assistance you may stand in need of W. W. 

Persifor Frazer 
Esq/r 
Chester County to the 
Care of Jn/o Smiley Esq/r 
pr favour of 
James Finley Esq/r 

M/r Smiley will be good anuf to Send this 
to M/r Frazer from 

W/m Whiteside 



March 1. 1786 
D/r Sir 



Philadelphia March 1. 1786 



We have occasion to employ M r Wilcocks for making a 
considerable quantity of paper for public use. and as it will be abso 
lutely necessary to have some person in whom we can confide to over- 
see the workmen 1 shall he very happy if it will suit you to undertake 
that Business, on such terms as you may think agreeable. If you 

329 



should, it will be necessary for you first to come up to Philadelphia, 
and I shall expect to see you in a few days, and if not I beg you will 
let me hear from you as speedily as possible 

I am D/r Sir, with the greatest esteem 

your very humble Servant 

Dav/d Rittenhouse 
General Frazer 

To Persifor Frazer Esquire 
favor/d by Col Cheyney 

(In the handwriting of David Rittenhouse.) 



Feb. 26. 1786. Letter of Sarah Kennedy to "General Persifor 

Frazer Esq." asking him to scrutinize the a/c of 
Sam/1 Culbert who owes her money the payment of 
which she accuses him of seeking to avoid. 

April 16. 1786 

April 16/th 1786 
D/r Madam 

having an opertunity of writing By John — I Could 
not Refrain Sonday as it is to Congratulate you on the Opaint- 
ment of the Gena/1 to the Rigisters office — The Opintment Gives 
me infinate Pleasure — and the Maner If Possable More — I long 
to see you- — I wish you Could Come up — People say you will 
Come to Live at the wight Horse now — but I fear the News is 
two Good to be trew — how Rejoicd would I be — but I must not 
Give way to Such Pleasing Expatations with out a better founda- 
tion — do Send me a few Lines by John — and Give me some In- 
coragement if you Can with truth — but dont Flatter — or the dis- 
opintment will be dubly hard to Bare — if you send for your Sons 
things from M/r Andersons- — and Coul Bring Johns with them to 
your house it would Greatly Oblidg me as I was disopinted in 
Giting a littel Carage for him to bring them up — Give my Love 
to M/rs Thompson tell her I Expect to see her hear this sumer — 
with Love to you and family I Remain 

your affectionate friend Mary Cloyd 

Addressed 

M/rs 
Mary Frazer 

On the division of the County three years later he did move his residence to 
Westtown in order to remain a citizen of Chester County, as his Thornbury home 
was included in the territory of the new County of Delaware. See Appendix. 

330 



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May 20. 17S1 Account of loan made by 1'. F. to Richard 

to Morris with offsets from May 20. 1781 to Aug. 1. 

Aug. 1. [786 1786. 



Mav 17. 1786. Letter of attorney from Mary Norris to Persifor 

Frazer Recorder of deeds to acknowledge satisfac- 
tion on a mortgage given by Janus M clllhaney to 
Joseph Parker Dec. 22. 1750 for a loan of £ uxi , , 
Principal and interest having been paid by Lydia 
M/cIllvaine to Mary Norris Administrator of Jos. 
Parker dee'd. 

Witnesses Phebe Chandler and Mary \\'ells(?) 



June 16. 1786 Certificate of "assignment" of Persifor Frazier 
Esq. of the County of Cluster as Justice of the Peace 
of Chester County. Signed by the Hon. Charles 
Biddle Esq. President of the Supreme Executive 
Council of the Commonwealth of Penna. under seal of 
the State. Recorded in Commission Book A. page 
16. Aug. 20. 1786. 

Attest. James Trimble for John Armstrong, Secy. 



July 3. 1786. Letter of atty. Mary Preston widow, to P. F. Esq. 

Recorder of Deeds to enter satisfaction for principal 
and interest of a mortgage by Thomas Smedley to 
secure the loan of £io<j,, — ,, — to him l>v Jonas 
Preston Simes and Mary his wife. 
Witnesses Thos. Lea. Jonas Preston. 



Aug. 16. 1786. Let. of atty. Adam Grubb to P. F. Recorder of 

Deeds to enter satisfaction on Mortgage of Geo. 
Peirce and Mary his wife given to (irul>l> to secure the 
payment of £ 200 , , — , , — , , — , , 
Witnesses H. H. Graham la Dilworth Tun. 



Sept. 20. 1786. Promissory note for £43,, 12,, 3 1/2 to Wil- 

liam Gibbons for 71 days. Witnesses. Chas. Dilworth 
Fras Gardner 
Endorsement. This bond was given as security for 

331 



Dec. 22 1 78 1 

to 
Aug. I. 1786 



half of a Debt due to Jno Gardner and for which he 
was arrested by W/m Gibbons Sheriff the money was 
put into my hands by J. Gardner to discharge the 
same etc etc. Signed Persifor Frazer 



R. Morris's Bond £50 

1781 Dec. 22 To Cash 1 

1782 Ap/1 ditto 

Aug/t 29 ditto 1 

1783 Feb/y 27 . .ditto 3 

May 3 ditto 

1786 Aug/t 1 Int/t 6, y/rs 2 M/o 

1 1 days 18 

Int/t on £ 4/. 5/. 3 y/rs 5 mo . 



£76 

By Build/g Chimney and wal/g well. . 3 



10, , 
7.. ° 
17.. ° 

is.. — 



11 ,, 

17.. 



10 

5 



19. . 

5.. 



Ball/a due Aug/t 1st 1786 £ 73 , , 14 , , 3 



wall before the door to be Credited 
to him 



Sept. 25. 1786 

Bond £43 • J2 • 3 2 

£ 64 . 12 . 6 In/t from 25/th Sept 1786 to December 
44 . 2.9 8/th 2 m/o and 1 3 Dy/s — 10. 6 



20. 



Nov. 4. 1786. 



Nov. 4. 1786. 



£44 



Bond and Warrant of Jas. Newell to Jno. Kimbler 
for £ 55. 

Endorsed. Reed by P. F. a part from 
Jno Hunter £ 30 
Witnesses Robt. Frazer and Jona/t Smith 

Also Bnd. and War. for £ 60. same date and parties 
with four endorsements. 



2,y- 



Nov. 6. [786. Power of Atty. John Kimler to I'. F. for recovery 

of all debts etc. 
Witnesses Mary Fallows. Jona/t Smith 



Nov. 6. 1786. A list of Bonds and Penal Bills deposited with P. F. 

by Jno. Kimler amounting to £ 235 , , 2 , , — , , 

Nov. 7. 1786. Receipt to P. F. Recor. for Deed of Conveyance 

from Jos Parker to Thos. Karnased(?) for 137 acres 
in Marlborough "which I left to be recorded." 

Thomas Karnased 

Nov. 8. 1786. Receipt to P. F. for Deeds Joshua Johnson and 

wife to \\\ in Wood; Thos. Lamborn and wife to Jos. 

Wilkeson; and Thos Lamborn and wife to Robert 
Lamborn 

Signed Rob/t Lamborn. 

Nov. 8. 1786. Sir As Aaron Musgrave have to go to Baltimore 
for a horse theif and Col.n Gibbons thinks he Should 
have My Commission Upon Such a Matter Shall be 
oblige to you if you Will Let him have it these from 
your fr/d &c 

Ezekiel Leonard 
November the 8/th 1786 

for General Piersofor Frazer 



Dec. 26. 1786. Rec'p't to P. F. Recor. for Deeds from James 
Brinton. 

Feb. 2. 1787. Letter of atty Fliz. Wilson (by her atty H. H. 

Graham) to P. F. Witnesses Adam Grubb and 
James Dilworth. 



Endorsed 



fees paid 3/ satisfaction entered May 22. 1787 



Feb. 21. 1787. Letter of Atty to same from same. Same endorse- 
ment. 



333 



March 8. 1787. Letter of atty Joseph Larkin to P. F. Recor. for 
entering satisfaction on a loan of Edw. Minshall and 

Witnesses Adam Grubb and H. H. Graham. 
wife paid with interest by Frederick Engle. 



.March 13. 1787. 

Borough of Belfast Robert M/cMillan of 

in the County of Antrim Belfast in the County 
and Kingdom of Ireland of Antrim and Kingdom 

of Ireland Linen Weaver, 

aged Seventy years, comes this Day before me the Rev/d William 
Bristow, Clerk. — Sovereign of the Borough of Belfast in the said 
County of Antrim, and one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for 
the said County, and on the Holy Evangelists made Oath, and on his 
Oath deposeth and Saith, That he this Deponent well knew John Mor- 
rison late of the Parish of Donaghclony nigh Waringstown in the 
County of Down in the said Kingdom of Ireland Farmer, and Jane his 
wife, who are both dead many years ago -~ And Deponent Saith, That 
the said John Morrison and Jane his Wife had several Children, all of 
whom this Deponent well knew, — namely. — James Morrison, Elizabeth 
Morrison, John Morrison, Joseph Morrison, Benjamin Morrison and 
David Morrison, and all of whom are now dead as Deponent believes, 
save only the said Benjamin Morrison — And Deponent further de- 
poseth, That the said Elizabeth Morrison intermarried with one 
Thomas Gichan, who was a Mason to Trade, and he and his said 
wife — Elizabeth, upwards of fifty years ago, went to and resided in 
America, where this Deponent hath been credibly informed and verily 
believes the said Thomas Gichan died, and that his Widow the said 
Elizabeth Gichan otherwise Morrison afterwards intermarried with 
one Thomas M/cCall — And that the said Thomas M/cCall and his 
said wife Elizabeth are both since dead — And this Deponent Saith that 
the said Benjamin Morrison is still living, and resides in the Town of 
Belfast aforesaid, and is now here present at the time of making this 
Affidavit. 

Cause of Deponent's Knowledge is, that this Deponent's Father 
Hugh M/cMillan lived Tenant to and under the said John Morrison 
the Father, and was his next door Neighbour, and Deponent at the 
same time lived with his said Father Hugh M/cMillan, and thereby 
became well acquainted and intimate with the Said John Morrison and 
Jane his Wife, and all their Children and Family — 
In Testimony whereof I the said Sovereign have hereunto Subscribed 
my name, and caused the Corporation Seal of the Said Borough of 

334 



Belfast to be hereunto affixed this thirteenth day of March in t ho year 
of our Lord ( )ne thousand seven hundred and Eighty Seven. 

William Bristow 
Robert M/ccMillen [seal] Sov/n of Belfast 



March 13. 17S7. 

Whereas Elizabeth M/cCall otherwise Gichan, other- 
wise Morrison late of Chester County in the State of Pennsylvania, 
Widow, deceased, duly made and published her last Will and Testa- 
ment in Writing, and did thereby give and bequeath unto her Brother 
Benjamin Morrison now of Belfast in the County of Antrim and King- 
dom of Ireland, the Sum of fifty pounds that Currency to be paid 
twelve months next after her Decease — And she appointed M/r James 
Lindsay of Chester County aforesaid, Executor of her said Will — 
Nozv Know all Men by the Presents, That 1 the Said Benjamin Morri- 
son have made, ordained, constituted and appointed, and by these 
1'rescnts do make, ordain, constitute and appoint Stephen Wilson of 
Baltimore in Maryland. Esquire my true and lawful Attorney for me 
and in my Name, and to my use, to ask, demand, sue for, recover and 
receive of and from the said James Lindsay, or whom else it doth or 
may concern, the said Legacy of fifty pounds so given and bequeathed 
to me the said Benjamin Morrison in and by the last Will Testa 
ment of my said late Sister Elizabeth M cCall. deceased, and to have 
u-e and take all lawful Ways and Means in my Xante, or otherwise, 
for Recovery thereof — and upon Receipt thereof for me and in my 
Name or in the Name of him my Said Attorney, to give such Release 
and discharge for the same as shall be sufficient — And one Attorney 
or more under him my said Attorney for the Purposes aforesaid, to 
make and substitute, and at his Pleasure to revoke — Ratifying and 
allowing all and whatsoever my said Attorney shall lawfully do or 
cause to be done in or about the Premisses by Virtue of these ('res- 
ents. In Witness wdicreof 1 the said Benjamin Morrison have here- 
unto set my Hand and Seal at Belfast aforesaid this thirteenth Day of 
March one thousand and seven hundred and Eighty Seven.. — 

Signed Sealed and delivered 

In the Presence of 
Dav/d Henderson Benj Morrison [seal] 

Henry Joy. 



335 



Borough of Belfast David Henderson of Belfast in the 

in the County of Antrim County of Antrim and Kingdom of Ire- 
and Kingdom of Ireland land, Gentleman, came this day before me 

The Reverend William Bristow, Clerk, 
Sovereign of the Borough of Belfast, One of His Majesty's Justices 
of the Peace for the said County of Antrim, and on the Holy Evan- 
gelists made Oath, and on his Oath deposeth and Saith that he this 
Deponent is a Subscribing Witness to the Within Written Power of 
Attorney and saw the same duly Signed, Sealed, Delivered and Ex- 
ecuted by the therein Named Benjamin Morrison; and that the Name 
David Henderson subscribed as a Witness to said Power of attorney 
is of this Deponent's own proper Hand Writing. 

In Testimony whereof I the said Sovereign have hereunto Subscribed 
my Name and caused the Corporation Seal of the Said Borough of 
Belfast to be hereunto affixed this thirteenth day of March in the year 
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty Seven. — 
Dav/d Henderson. 

William Bristow 
[seal] Sov/n of Belfast 



March 29. 1787. 

Agreement between Josiah Haines and P. F. by 
the terms of which the latter is to take the farm of 
the former in Goshen twp Chester Co. containing 170 
acres for £ 5. per acre, and Haines to take his choice 
of sundry tracts of land in Wash/n Co. owned by P. F. 
for which he is to pay 15s per acre with additional 
stipulations as to manner of payment. 
Witnesses Jas. Hemphill and Jona. Smith. 

Signed P. F. 

March 29. 1787. 

Duplicate of above and same witnesses Signed 
Josiah Hains (Note. The two papers are in differ- 
ent hands and Hain is spelled without an "e" in the 
above and with an "e" in this.) 



April 1. 1787. Unfavorable Opinion by H. H. Graham to P. F. 

on validity of titles to lands offered P. F. by Josiah 
Haines. 



336 



April in. 1787. Letter of I'. F. to J. Haines accompanying above 
opinion. 

April 30. 1787. Letter of atty to I*. F. to enter satisfaction of debt 

of 6323,, — ,, — ,, owed and paid by Joshua 
Vaughan to J. Peirce. 

Witnesses William Haslewood and Rachel Hasle- 
wood. 

May 19. 1787. Power of att'y. Sarah Clark to P. F. to acknowl- 

edge satisfaction on mortgage to secure debt of 

£ 227 

Witnesses Robert Buffington and Stephen Harlan 

May 19. 1787 

Princeton May th/19 — 1787 — 
D/r Madam 

I have for some time intended to write and acquaint 
you of my being setled at Princeton, where I shall be very happy 
to see you and Gcn/1 Frazier, accompanied by the young Ladies. 
1 am much at a loss for such a person as I conceive Polly Pollus 
to be; can you recommend me one, that I can put implicet con- 
fidence in; the person 1 want must be perfect mistress of the dairy 
understand Washing, Ironing, spining, knitting and plain sew- 
ing, and be strictly honest and sober — if you can recommend such 
a person to me what ever wages you think reasonable and agree 
for, shall be punctually paid by me, your immediate answer will 
much Oblidge 

Your sincere Friend. Ann Henry 

P S. M/r Henry Joins me in Love and Comp/ts to you and and 
your good Family — 

Addressed 

M/rs Percifer Frazer 
Chester county. 



May 2$. 1787 

Baltimore 23 May 1787 
Inclosed is a power of Attorney sent to me by Benjamin 
Morrison to recover the legacy of £ 50 left him by Elizabeth 
M/cCall, now in the hands of her Executor M/r James Lindsay. 

337 



As it is out of my power to apply in person T must request of you 
to receive it for me and remit the money to my friend M/r 
Thomas Lea Merch/t in Philadelphia to hold subject to my order. 
I suppose that this letter will be a sufficient voucher for Mr. Lind- 
say to pay the money to you; if not, I shall send any other he 
may require. I should be sorry to trouble you with such dis- 
agreeable business, but I know it must afford you pleasure to 
serve a poor old man to whom this trifling legacy will be a great 
relief. — Morrison sends an Affidavit to prove the identity of his 
person. If he is entitled to Interest, I beg you may get it for 
him 

I am with much esteem 
Fr 



Addressed 

General Pers/r Frazer 
at Thornbury 

Chester County 
Pennsylvania 
p/r fav/r 
M/r Wethy 



Your most obed S/t 
Stephen Wilson 



May 1787. P. F. dr to — Goodwin for coffin for 

1788 his child £ — ,, 17,, 6 

To corner cupboard 6 , , o , , o 

To hanging five maps 4 , , 2 



7.. 1 >> 8 
3,, 1,, 8 



4; . 

Receipted for my Father Enoch Goodwin 



May 26. 1787. Letter of att'y. to P. F. Recor. from Eleanor 

Graham widow to ack. satis, on debt of £ 50 and int. 
owed to her by Mary Williams widow. 

Witnesses. Sarah Smith. Jas. Dilworth Jun/r 



June 20. 1787. Receipt by James Wilson to Joshua Vaughan 

blacksmith for £41 , 16, — in full for debt to Thos. 



338 



Dutton's Executors from Caleb Peirce in satisfaction 
of a mortgage on a tract of land in Chester Co. Pa. 
Endorsed by let. of att'y to P. F. by Thos. and 

Hannah Wilson 



Aug. 3. 17N7. Letter of att'y. to P. F. Recor. from Joseph Dicks 

to ack. satis, for debt of £ 230 , , — , , — . , owed and 
paid with int. by Philip and Nicholas Stimmel tobac- 
conists of I'hila. 
Witnesses II. 11. Graham and Jam/s Dilworth Jun/r 



August 13. 1787 
My D/r Madam 



Princeton August th/13. 1787 — 



Your kind letter was handed me by Betsy 
JetTers who you where so kind as to get for me she is 1 believe 
very capable of doing the business 1 wanted her to do, but she is 
in so bad a state of health that she is not able to use any exercise 
without suffering so much pain that it has been disagreeable to 
me to ask her to do any thing but just what she chose to do her- 
self, she tells me she had a very severe fit of illness before she 
came to me, and brought Medicine with her to take 1 gave her a 
bottle of port Wine to infuse it in as l was j n hopes before now 
that she would have been perfectly recovered, as this is a remark- 
able healthy country, and that she would undertake the cat of 
the dairy which at present is very small as we milk but 5 cow--, in 
a week we shall have it increased in •' week to 7. our negro woman 
should have helped her to milk but Petsy sh e tells me she has not 
milkd a cow for some years and that she expected I would have 
the cows milked and Brought to her. and then she would make 
cheese, finding every kind of work that requird exercise dis- 
agreeable to her. it would not suit me to keep her any longer, her 
passage was paid here and we shall pay it to Philad a where I 
hope she will get a safe come passage home, I have told her to go 
to Daddy and stay till she gets a passage, I have done every thing 
in my power to try to make her happy -ince she has been with me, 
I brought her to eat at table table with M r Henry and myself 
except when we had company, and it not being the custom of 
this place could not bring her at that time, which she allwavs was 
dissatisfied with — so paid her in hard money this morning, she 
told me on her arrival that you and Gen/1 Frasier intended to 
visit us in Sep/t let me assure you it will give mc us much pleasure 

339 



to see you, bring sally with you. M/r Henry joins me in wishing 
you and family every happiness and believe me to be your sincere 
Freind 

Ann Henry 

Tomorrow Betsy jeffers will have been six weeks with me and I 
paid her an English guinea — she goes in the stage tomorrow. 

Addressed 

M/rs Percifer Frazer 
Chester County 

August 15. 1787 Bond & Warrant W/m Henry to P. F. for 
* 393 . , — » . — 
Witnesses Thos. Wright, Alexander Mackee. 



Sept. 7. 1787. Agreement between Sam/1 Mendenhall at present 
in residing in the County of Berkley Va and Jos 
Pennell of Chester Co. Pa. Guardian of Abner and 
one of the Guardians of Beulah Mendenhall. regard- 
ing the division of the estate of Sam/1 Mendenhall 
dec'd. 

Witnessed by Persifor Frazer and Amos Mendenhall 
signed Jos. Pennell. 



Oct. 4. 1787. Balto, Oct. 4. 1787. 

Letter to P. F. from Stephen Wilson asking former 
to request Lindsay to pay amt of Eliz M/cCall's estate 
to Thomas Lea for Benj Morrison. 



Addressed 



General Frazer. Thornbury, Chester Co. 



Nov. 7. 1787. 
Fr/d John Kimler 

I Received your Letter by Moses James and have paid 
him on your Account Forty pounds for which I have taken his 
Common Bond payable to you, it is likely our method of taking 
Judgments and yours may differ — in some places they are con- 
trary to Law, I therefore thought it best take the Common Bond 
and you and him can make what other Bargain you please — I 

340 



have receiv'd the whole of John M 'cMins Money Am tg. to 
£56,, 12,. 9. and would have sent it all to you, had I had a 
few days more notice but Had lent the -Money to 2 or 3 good 
hands in the,.Neighborhood, as I was under apprehension it might 
he taken from me, as a great Number of People have been 
Robbed lately and was very glad to tret it out of my Hands — I 
have nut seen Xewell lately, he has sold the Lott and has re- 
moved up to the Valley Forge where they have built a New Slit- 
ting .Mill, he got near as much as he gave for it — 1 will inform 
him that you expect the Money against Spring and make no 
doubt he will have it ready. M/cMin behaved very honestly and 
gave me no trouble. Should any of your acquaintance be com- 
ing this way at any time 1 will Semi the Ball/a due you at this 
time — We remain in our Usual health and join in our good 
wishes to you all. I Remain your Sincere Friend and Hble Ser- 
vant 

Pers/r Frazer 
Novem/r 7/th 1787. 

Addressed 

M/r John Kinder 
Loudon County 
Virginia 
fav/d by 
Mr Moses James 



November 26. 1787 

Received Novem/r 26th 17N7 a Mortgage Deed 
from Sampson Wickersham to William Phillips which 
I have Received from 1'ersifor Frazer the same hav- 
ing been Recorded 

John Philips 

December 28. 1787 

Acknowledgment of Deed Poll by Ezekiel Hoopes be- 
fore P. F. Recorder. 

March 17. 1788. Bond of John Brown to deliver possession of 

tract of land in Westtown by April 1. 1788 

Witnesses Tims Cheney Ezekiel Leonard. 

March 22. 1788. Art. of agreement between Jno Bowen and Jno 

Davidson in regard to a sale of land of the former to 

34 1 



the latter for £ 250 , , — , , — , , . P. F. witnesses 
the transfer of £ 150 of the purchase money on Jan. 
14. 1790. 

March 24. 1788. Let. of att'y to P. F. from H. H. Graham Exec: 
of Rees Peters who was Execn of Rob/t Wilson, 
dec'd. tc ack. satis, of mt'ge for debt of £ 120 , , — , , 

Witnesses W/m Baldwin and James Dilworth Jun/r 

June 12. 1788. Release of Mary Junkin by Israel and Mary Moore 
attested by P. F. Justice. 

July 26. 1788. Letter of Jno. Hoge to P. F. relating to lands 
about the mouth of Raccoon Creek and in Washn. Co. 



July 28. 1788 Letter of Reading Howell to P. F. asking latter 
to make a new ace and get the approbation of the 
other Gentlemen. 

June 1788. Acct. between David M/cMurtrie Ad. Exts. v. P. F. 

to 
Sept. 10. 1789. 

Sept. 30. 1788. Let. of attorney John and Mary Dickinson to 

P. F. to ack. satis, of Mtge from Benj. Weatherly to 
Chas. Norris 
Witnesses Sally Norris Dickinson, and Thos. Tiluson. 

s d 

William Yarnall 20 Cord Wood at 5 / 9 
Benjamin Chance to 2 new Shoes 

Abraham Sharpless his acomp/t 
John Kimlers acompt against it 



young Ben/j Jones Cash lent 

34; 



t 


s 




5- 


- 15— 





0. 


2 , 


6 


21 . 


6. 





16. 


12. 


10 


4- 


i3- 


2 


£ 


d 







3- 


9 



Abraham Sharpless Dr 

To a Cole Basket o — 5 . o 

To a Mortisen ax o. 2. 6 



To WD too,, — 

Harry WD 100 , , — 

Silvea 5 1 ■ . • 75 , , — 

Jack Jack 100,, — 

Isaac 1 p.R 100 , , — 

Dick D 85,, — 

Seaser EV 75 , , — 

Rachel and Child . . . P F 85 , , — 

Sam P.F 25 , , — 



Charley EV 65 , , — , , — 



D Mell 185 D M. 185 
I V and WD 200 due to him 10 . , 5 



I V and WD 191 V and D 391 

140 I P F 205 in debt , , 10 



£701 P F 205 



340 781 in debt 9 , , 15 



6 '95:5 



Feb. 9. 1789 
Brother/ 

As the Right Worshipful the Grand Officers have visited 
Lodge N/o 8. since our last stated meeting — and granted their war- 
rant, which supersedes our Old one — business is to commence under 
the new warrant on the 3/cl Tuesday of this month (the regular stated 
meeting of the Lodge) at 10 oclock A M in Norristown, at the House 
of Jas: Page — at which time and place you are desired to attend, on 
business of importance respecting the craft and our particular 
Lodge — 

By special order of the Worshipful Master 

Jn/o Cadwallader Sec/y 
Persifer Frazer Esq/r 

343 



March 2. 1789. Note from Moses Hoopes to P. F. asking the lat- 
ter for £7 , , 5 , , o . A line appended is a recep't by 
Moses Hoopes for £ 6, , . in part of claim. 

March 24. 1789. Note from P. F. to Levi Matson offering to pay 
latter £ 30 , , — , , — , , on a/c of Rent due by Sarah 
Vernon if he will wait for the remainder. 



April 1 1. 1789. 

SECRETARY'S OFFICE, 

PHILADELPHIA, April 11/th 1789. 
SIR, 
BY direction of Council, I transmit to you two Commissions for 
John Worth Esquire to be entered upon record in your County — 
Previous to the delivery of which, you will administer to him 
the oaths required by the Constitution and Laws of the State. 

I am, Sir, 
Your most obedient and very humble Servant, 

James Trimble 
for Charles Biddle 

Sec/ry. 
To Percifer Frazier Esquire, 

Recorder of Deeds in the County 
of Chester 

Addressed 

on public service 
Percifer Frazier Esquire 

Recorder of the County of Chester 



May 30. 1789. Let of atty H. H. Graham to P. F. to ack. satis, of 
Mtge of Jno. Pennell and wife to Graham for £ 250 , , 

Witnesses Jno Price and Jos Pennell. 

Oct. 10. 1789. 

SECRETARY'S OFFICE, 

PHILADELPHIA, October 10/th 1789. 
SIR, 
BY direction of Council, I transmit to you the Commissions for 
the Sheriff and Coroner — and Writ of Assistance to be entered 

344 



upon record in your County Previous to the delivery of which, 
you will administer to the Sheriff and Coroner the oaths required 
li\ the Constitution and Lws of the State, and also take from the 
Sheriff the Security which the Law requires 

1 am, Sir, 
Your must obedient and very humble Servant, 

James Trimble 
for Charles Biddle 
To I'ercifer Frazier Esquire, Sec/ry. 

Recorder of Deeds in the County 
of Chester 

PS John Ilannum and Kzekie! Leonard arc approved by Coun- 
cil as sureties for the Sheriff 

James Trimble 
I > -to/r 20/th 1789 

The Sheriff and Coroner Were duly affirmed agreably to the 

above directions, before me 

Pers r Frazer 
Addressed 

On public service 
I 'ercifer Frazier Esquire 

Recorder of Deeds in the County of 

Chester 



Oct. ig. 1789. 19. Oct. 1789 

Sir, 

The cause of M/cMurtrie against you is marked for trial 
on Saturday the 31 ins/t — 1 will endeavor to reach Philad/a if 
possible on that day, being obliged on some public and important 
business to attend at Easton Oyer and Terminer which com- 
mences on the 26/th But if 1 should be disappointed, M r [nger- 
sol will attend to the business. 1 will pay him the fee you gave 
me last, and will instruct him in the cause before 1 set out. The 
paper the young Gentlemen will give you. They are in the U: 
pidgeon hole of the Com. pleas. — 

1 hope 1 shall be in time, if not I have to regret that I cannot 
serve you in person, — but if a good cause and my wishes can avail 
you, I think you will succeed. 

I am Dear Sir 
Your hum ser. 
\Y. Bradford Jun. 
(Turn over) 
P. Frazer Esq. 

345 



P.S. Upon examining the pidgeon hole I do not find the papers, 

and if I recollect right I gave them to you when you went to take 
M/r Caldwell's deposition 

Addressed 

Persifor Frazier Esquire M/cMurtrie 

Recorder, vs. 

West Chester. Frazer 



Nov. 9. 1789. 



Received from Gen. Frazier three bonds for 
twenty five pounds each given by me to him which 
with the int. due thereon Amount to the sum of Sev- 
enty five pounds fifteen shillings and five pence, for 
which sum together with the Costs of Suit against me 
he is to have credit on the Judg/t against him at the 
suit of the Exers of David M/cMurtrie decsd. 
Philad. Nov. 9. 1789 

David M/cMurtrie 
£ 95 . 2 . 6 am/t of Jud. 

£Z7>> 15 >. 5 
2,, 13. . 1 



95. 


, 2, 


, b 


6, 


, 8, 
9> 


. 5 

1 


101 , 


,18, 


, 11 


80, 


, 8, 


, 6 


£21 , 


,11. 


. 5 


1 , 


1 , 


, 


20 , 


, 11 , 


. 5 


1 , 


, 0, 


. 



80,, 8 ,,6 



deduced being Error in Cost- 



added for 10 M/os Interest 



21 ,, 11 ,, 5 
24. Sep/t 1790 rec/d of Persifor Frazer Esq/r the 
above twenty one pounds 11/5. — the Costs of the Ac- 
tion of Frazer v M/cMurtrie to be p/d by Gen/1 
Frazer, as it is allowed in the Acc/t 



£21 , , 11 , , 5. 
M/cMurtrie Frazier 



Jona D. Sargeant 



34b 



November 30. 1789. 
Fr/d Joseph Hoskins 

As I have understood that you are one of 
the overseers of Chester Meeting of which Meeting Abigail 
Swasfer (late Abigail Worrall) is a member — 1 take the Liberty 
to complain to you of her Conduct — 

Sarah YVorral the widow of John Worrall the older late of 
Edgmont deed by her last Will and Testament bequeathed to my 
wife the Grandaughter of the s/d Sarah £ 100. to be paid to her 
at her Mothers decease, and left her son Peter Worrall the Ex- 
ecutor of the said Will — Peter Worrall tlw<\ in the year 1772 and 
left his Wife Abigail and Joseph Talbot jun r Kxicutors of his 
Will — In the Year 1780 my wiles Mother died (viz. Sarah the 
wife of Jn/o Peirce) at whose decease as afors/d the Legacy be- 
came payable — Peter worralls estate was very large and ample 
to satisfy all debts and several large pecuniary legacys to his 
Children — We have made repeated applications to Abigail 
Swasfer for the payment of the legacy, which hitherto has not 
had the desired effect ( except a small sum paid ab/t 3 years ago 
at w/ch time she promised punctually to discharge the ballance 
in a short time, in Consequence of w/ch promise and to remove 
any Cause for complaint 1 engaged to strike off 2 years Inter- 
est — Still by affected delays we are kept out of the money — We 
had reason many years ago to make complaint of her conduct in 
this business, but being loath to have any dispute of this nature 
with any of my wifes relations, has been the occasion of its being 
so long deferred — Indeed I had intended to have taken this 
matter into the Supreme Court, but having been advised that this 
mode may be as effectual — less expensive and more friendly, I 
gladly embrace it, and would be happy to have the business ter- 
minated soon as I am under engagements to pay a sum of Money 
soon for the place I now live on which I some time ago purchased 
- — I have informed her that she has no just right to expect me to 
forgive the two years Interest — as that was made with the ex- 
press Proviso that I should have no more trouble about it and on 
her promise that the remainder should be paid soon, which is now 
about 3 years — I am sorry Sir to have Occasion to give you or 
the meeting the trouble that this complaint may introduce, but 
have found every method we have taken hitherto ineffectual 

I am y/r sincere Fr/d etc/a 

Westown Novem/r 30/th 1789 Pers/r Frazer 

Endorsed 

Copy of Letter to Joseph Hoskins 
Overseer of Chester Meeting 

347 



December 7. 1789 Affidavit of Joshua Ashbridge before P. F jus- 
tice, that the signature of his Father was genuine as 
a Witness to a deed of land by John Todhunter of 
Goshen to Stephen Hoopes of Westtown dated Oct. 

7- l 7& 

Although foreign to this memoir the following brief from Gen. Frazer's papers 
is printed as a sample of the legal acumen of that day, and because one of the 
greatest of the public charities of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Hospital, was in- 
volved in the case. 

Jan. 4. 1790. 

Finley 

v Covenant 

Rustons Ex/rs Case 

This is an action brought for damages upon a breach of contract 
made by y/e defendants. It will appear in support of it that on y/e 
19/th day of March 17S3 Job Ruston did in behalf of himself, his Ex/r 
and adm/r in consideration of £ 420 covenant to make a good and 
sufficient deed of consideration to Plff for a specified tract of land 
consisting of 218 1/4 acres, being the one half of a tract of land of 
430 1/4 acres w/c said Ruston had mortgaged to the managers of the 
Pennsylvania Hospital for y/e sum of £ 600. 

The penalty for non-performance of agreement £ 1200. 

Circumstances. 

These are complex. M/r Job Ruston owned two plantations or 
tracts of land, the one in Faggs-manor containing about 450 acres on 
w/c he lived — the other in Penns-manor and about two miles distant 
from this, containing 436 1/4 acres, the one half of w/c said Ruston 
sold to Plff as will appear from the articles of agreement w/c shall be 
laid before you. This contract is abided to and confirmed by said 
Rustons will in the following words "I do hereby empower my Ex/rs 
and those within named to comply with the articles of agreement made 
between me and my son in law John Evans Finley." 

But you will remember that the whole tract of 436 1/4 acres was 
mortgaged to y/e managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital for y/e 
sum of £ 600 principle for the payment of one half of which Plff. stood 
answerable to said Ruston or his ex/r — 

The managers of the P. H. demanded the whole money first from 
Thomas Ruston, afterwards from the Ex/r of Job Rustons estate ; but 
receiving no satisfaction from either, put the bond in suit and sold the 
whole tract of 436 acres on account of the mortgage. And William 
Fisher influenced by his daughter and the unwearied application of 

348 



his son in law Thomas Ruston purchases the farm* The consequence 
is Plff is left to seek redress of grievances in this way. 

The circumstances which led on to this are as follow. M/r Job 
Ruston or his Ex/rs were under obligation to discharge one half of 
said Mortgage; but they did not pay any part of it. and if we con- 
sider their resources were rendered unable: for the monies arising 
from the sale of the personal estate were chiefly absorbed in the pay- 
ment of small debts in the neighborhood as 1 am informed and have 
good reason to believe; but am under no obligation to prove it; for 
whether the Ex/rs could not or would not my argument is the same. 

Their next and only resource then was from monies arising from the 
sale of y/e real estate. Let us attend a little to this. 

M/r Job Ruston will all his real estate (carefully excepting that 
part w/c he had sold to Plff) to his son Thomas Ruston on the ex- 
press condition of paying to his Ex ; rs the sum of £ 3.000 by the in- 
stalments of £400 a year. Then follows a provisional clause that if 
his son Thomas sh/d fail in making y/e first or any following payment, 
then in that case he empowers his Ex rs etc to sell a specified lot of 
44 acres of land — and if he should fail in making the second or any fol- 
lowing payment, then in that case he orders and empowers his Kx/rs 
etc to sell a specified lot of 100 acres — and if he sh/d fail in making 
the fourth or any following payment then in that case y/e Ex/rs etc 
are empowered to sell a lot of 218 l 4 acres bing the one half of the 
tract of 436 1-/4 acres w/c was mortgaged to y/e managers of y/e 
P. H.— 

Accordmgly the i/t and 2/d lots were sold and Thomas Ruston is 
the purchaser, but suffers himself to be sued for the greatest part of 
y/e money. Here we may observe as we go along that Thomas Rus- 
ton publickly discharged any person from purchasing this second lot, 
as he was he was determined if they did to enter an action against 
them in law: therefore Ihe Ex/rs were under the necessity of dealing 
with Thomas Ruston for the land on his own terms, yet an action lies 
against him in y/e supreme court for part of the purchase. 

And with respect to the 3/d lot w/c is specified in y/e will and ex- 
pressly ordered to be sold by y/e Ex/rs — it was sold by the Sheriff 
before the time y/e will directed the ex/rs to sell it. Now tho' 
Thomas Ruston had the whole of his fathers estate in his possession 
and was greatly in debt to y/e Ex rs but knew that by the tediousness 
of law he could detain y/e money for some time so would not give 
£ 100 to y/e managers of y/e P. H.. to stop the process. This will be 
made appear by a voucher which shall be laid before you as well as 
from D/r F. Alison's evidence. 



*Wm. Fisher informed Plff that he would not have bought but for his daughter. 

349 



Thus thro' the failure of Thomas Ruston the Ex/rs were disabled 
from discharging their part of the mortgage — and did not indeed pay 
any part principal or interest. 

PlfT paid part of the money to M/r Job Ruston and part to the 
managers of y/e P. H. as will appear from the vouchers which shall 
be laid before you, and continued still to pay untill forbid by his at- 
torney. 

Not only has Plff laid out money to a considerable amount ; but at 
great trouble and expence did build a large stone dwelling house and 
kitchen, barn, and made other valuable improvements on y/e premises. 

You cannot expect in matters of this sort such vouchers as if one 
man had undertaken it for another, and so expected to require satis- 
faction for the same in a future day. Such receipts, bills etc as Plff. 
has been able to procure shall be laid before you. 

Upon this state of facts it is amicably agreed by the parties to refer 
the whole matters in debate to you gentlemen chosen by y/e court 
and acceeded to by us. All that shall be farther added is some pecu- 
liarly aggravating circumstances w/c tho' not immediately to the 
point in a legal sense yet certainly is connected with it in equity and 
no doubt will come into the account in a future reckoning. 

From whose hand comes all this loss, trouble and uneasiness of 
mind to Plff. Tis from the hand of a brother — a brother too who 
either has or professes to have wealth in abundance, yet covets a sis- 
ters little portion. When Thomas Ruston came first from England, 
he once and again makes his home with this sister for days together 
and is treated with all that civility and courtesy his sister or the fam- 
ily were capable of: Yet never once does he acknowledge y/e favor — 
No but the moment he has it in his power unmanlike indeed, he puts 
on all y/e majesty of self importance to his sister in the absence of her 
husband, discharges her at her peril (they are his own words) from 
touching a single peach w/c grew in y/e orchard. 

As soon as a crop of wheat was put in y/e ground w/t M/r Fishers 
leave, Thomas Ruston proud of exercising his authority, orders his 
sister by virtue of a power of attorney from W/m Fisher, to quit the 
premises immediately — and even robs her of the whole crop. When 
Plff. a little before harvest applied to W/m Fisher for y/e crop 
according to compact, he replied he had committed that business to 
his son in law; and when pressed on the subject could only say, that he 
was taken at a disadvantage. How true this is will appear from the 
nature of y/e bargain.* Plff. then applied to Thomas Ruston who 
also refused y/e crop and said he had swapt it away.f 

♦It was a verbal agreement that the incumbrance and rent sh /d be determined by 
two of y/e neighbours accordingly W/m. Sterrit and R. Smith Esq/s adjudged 
Plff. to pay £20. This was offered. 

fl mark'd him well, he used y/e Jockey word Swap. 

35° 



Do you ask for what purpose was this tract of land mortgaged: 
The ans/r is short, it was for money to give Thomas Ruston when lie 
went to England and was wholly applied to his use. This his father 
repeatedly told to y/e neighbours. 

But this is not all. M/rs Eliz. Ruston aunt to M/rs Finley had £ ioo 
Sterling in the hank in England and in y/e late war put a power of at- 
torney to Thomas Ruston to draw it out and send it over to her in 
America. M rs Eliz. Ruston on her deatli Led expressed her desire 
to two respectable women yet living that this £ ioo Sterling sh d be 
divided between M 'rs Finley and her sister M/rs S Bell. 

This money Thomas Ruston holds and refuses to give any account 
of it either to y/e ex/rs or heirs of M/r Job Rustons estate. If this 
noncupative will had been properly attended to this complaint had 
1 n'en made in another form. 

Now gentlemen whin you consider the particulars above enumer- 
ated with these aggravating circumstances as — the trouble and ex- 
pence Plff. is at in obtaining Justice. When you consider the im- 
portance of contracts in general and their effects between man and 
man and on the community at large, you will I trust award to Plff. 
high and examplary damages. 

Jn/o E. Finley. 
read Jany 4/th 1790. 



March 26. 1790. Letter from Geo. Patterson of Patterson's Mills 

Juniata to P. F. requesting him to appear and testify 
in a suit brought by David M c.Murtrie on land near 
the mouth of the Little luniata. 



Addressed 



Percifer Frazer Esq. 



April 7. 1790. Prom. Note. Wm Harris to Geo. Marstellor for 

£ 15.. 12,, 7 

Witnesses Th. R. Kennedy, Thos. Bones 
Mem. of amts pd. 

April 24. 1790. Letter from W m Bradford Jim. "on the part of 
the Commonwealth" to Gen] Frazer requesting a 
search for records of two deeds, each of a part of Hog 
Island to Jo* Galloway from John Read and John 
Hughes respectively. 



351 



March i. 1790 Lease by P. F. to Isaac Bolton of farm in East 
Whiteland for £ 18 — gold or silver and the taxes. 



June 13. 



Addressed 



1790. Letter P. F. to George Peirce regarding obstruc- 
tions to the road leading from Edgmont toward Con- 
cord by Jon/a Hunter, Geo. Hunter, and Edward 
Cheney. 



Geo. Peirce Esq 



December 21. Sir 

1790 Please to pay to Persifor Frazer or order One 

pound Seven Shillings Six pence & Charge the same 
to Your Hble Serv/t 

William Harris 
Decem/r 21/th 1790 

To Charles Dilworth Esq/r 



March 1. 1791. Received this first of March 1791 of Persifor 

Frazier Esq/r fifty pounds which with the same sum 
received some time since is in full for the Fee on ac- 
count of his Son. 

Jared Ingersoll 

Probably for reading law in Mr. Ingersoll's office. 



Aug. 17. 1 79 1 



Letter of lawyers James Ross and Alex. Addison 
of Washington, to Persifor Frazer Esquire concern- 
ing a suit instituted against Shasbarger Bentley and 
his wife Bezabul(?) and Amos House upon their bond 
given in P. F.'s office for the faithful admin, of the es- 
tate of Jas. Baldwin. 



Aug- i3-!79(?)- 



Chester Aug/s 13/th i79(?) 
My dear Sir 

Since I had the pleasure of seeing you 
last I have received the catalogue of my Offence de- 
livered in by the Censor General of our Country as the 
list is to be sure a curious one — but such as may with 



352 



the utmost facility be answered — The only point 
which 1 cannot myself obviate is the practice in the 
registers office as to Wills, and that too 1 can safely 
declare according to the Directions of M/r Graham — 
but whether the declaration of the interested party 
will be taken or not is the question — Some of my 
friends have requested my obtaining a Certificate 
from you Sir — stating the practice in your time — 
whether such a demand would be improper, or would 
lead to further Enquiries or not you shall be the judge 
if you deem it improper or incautious in you to fur- 
nish me with such Certificate — 1 beg you may not 
send it- — we cannot tell what may follow — you may 
meet a Bevan in your own County — and altho' your 
Conduct has been such as places you above the 
Threat- or power of any person, yet to be called upon 
even where capable of justifying — is a thing not much 
to be wish'd for. You, if my memory serves me, 
inform'd me the practice in the time of M/r Graham 
and yourself has uniformly been to take fifteen shill- 
ings for each Codicil, unless when you choose to for- 
give etc. — whether this is the practice or not is mater- 
ial to me — on this Occasion — My Instructions in a 
Case of this kind from that Gentleman are in these 
words Viz: "Probate of each Codicil according to 
size, and if Witnesses are different from Will it is 
discretionary in the ( Ifficer — full fees have been 
taken"— Alluding to the circumstances of the parties 
and the Trouble attending the Business — Now Sir, if 
this has been the practice 1 am right in what I have 
done, if not t'is an Error — and whether it will fall on 
my shoulders or not is to be determined — A willful 
Error 1 never did commit — and to be censured for a 
fault of the kind is hard. — you will judge Sir whether 
it may be proper and necessary to grant a line cm the 
occasion — (Torn) — shall do th — (Torn) — ritv or — 
(Torn) — (Torn) — ing arc the — (Torn) — may sugge ' 

1 am Sir, with the Utmost 

Sinceritv and Esteem 
Your I hi Tie Sev/t 
W/m R/n Atlee 
Pers/r Frazer Esq/r 

If by the Act of Assembly you can make out a Bill 
353 



of particulars and send by the Bearer you will oblige 
me, in the Care of Wills — 



Addressed 



W/m R/u Atlee 



Persifer Frazer Esq/r 
West Town 

Chester County 



Year and date Estimate of Thos. and of Hannah Lindley's 

not given securities and order for eight tons bar Iron etc. 

Endorsed 

Wm Plumsted's order for iron and a/c of Lindley 
Securities and their Ad/ms 

This may be part of the transaction of 1751 (mentioned on page 12) out of its 
place In the papers. 

Year not given Aug. the 5/th Note of Richard Morris to Mr Pear- 
sifer Frasier S/r requesting Mr Jno Whitecer (Whit- 
aker( ?) ) be informed of certain Det and interests and 
that P. F. would think of his work on the chimley and 
Drawell. 

Year and 
date wanting Copy of testimony in trial of Eleazer Smith for 

passing a counterfeit of the currency of Massachu- 
setts, with sentence of the court to thirty nine lashes 
on the bare back well laid on. 

September 7(?) 1791. & September 17. 1791 

Subpaenas to Elisha Price by Edw Burd prothon. 
to testify in case of Jona. Hunter vs Patrick Shirkey, 
at West .Chester. 

Thos. M/cKean Chief Justice, Edw. Burd Prothon. 

December 2. 1791. 

Receipt by Wm. Irwin (his mark) to P. F. auditor 
of J. Gardner late Sheriff for £ 5 , , 14 , , 6 . 

Witness Ephr/m Allen. 

Fees charged etc. Mem of payment to Gardner's 

creditors 



354 



December 16. 1791. 

Receipt Jas Baggs to P. F. and of J. Gardner late 

Sheriff for 13 shillings & twopence. 

December i<>. [791. 

Promissory note Jas Baggs to P. F. for £5 , , 5 , , — 
Witness Sally Frazer 

April 14. 1792 

Pers/r Frazer Esq/r to Nathan Scholfield D/r 

To 8 Weeks hoarding at 8, 4 P/r Week £ 3 , , 6 , , 8 

To 3 Cord of Wood 1 , , 17 , , 6 

To a Bottle & Brandy & 6 quarts of ( >ats &c/ ,, 8,, 4 



Credit By 15/ lent M/rs Scholfield. . . 
By Zachariah Lewis's Deed Recorded. 



£ 5. 


, 12, 

15. 


, 6 

* 

y 


£4 . 


. 17, 
7. 


, 6 
. 3 





£4,, 10,, 3 

Received April 14/th 1792 of Persifor Frazer by the hand of George 
Worrall the Sum of three pounds in part of the within acco/t 

Rec/d P 

Nathan Scholfield 



The following Almanac and note hook of 1773 was evidently used 
by General Frazer during many years i. e. probably before, during and 
after the Revolution. 

The date and significance of most of the entries can only be sur- 
mised. 

Thus the list of Captains was doubtless made early in 177(1 and re- 
ferred to those in the division with Wayne's Battalion which ren- 
dezvoused at Chester and afterwards went to Long Island and Ticon- 
deroga. 

The account of expenditures for Col. Wayne were probably for the 
benefit of Company A of the 4 th (or Wayne's) Batl'n of which frazer 
was the Captain. 

The expenses of the journey of Dr Kennedy and himself t<> Albany 
were perhaps those of their return from Ticonderoga to White Plains. 

3 5 5 



The itinerary and expense account on p. 10 from "Iturly(?) town" to 
Phila. is most likely connected with one of the General's journeys after 
the war as commissioner of the State ; and the account on p. 22 may 
be part of his record as Justice of the Peace or Register of wills. 

The notes on the boom (p. 30) are very interesting. They refer 
in all probability to the latter end of 1775 and the early part of 1776 
when the Committee of Safety were obstructing the channel of the 
Delaware to prevent the advent of a hostile fleet. The measurements 
p. 104 may indicate the depth of the water at different distances along 
the boom from the shore. Page 160 shows that at that time lotteries 
were considered legitimate sources of excitement and profit ; and the 
notes on p. 27 about negroes reminds us that traffic in human beings 
was considered lawful and proper by the most conscientious church 
members : both of which facts are well known. 

It is not entirely clear to what epoch the list of Colonels and Lt. 
Colonels refers, nor what the numbers opposite their names may 
mean. Possibly these numbers represent votes at a raffle for a sword 
or sash to be presented to one of them, but this is pure and not un- 
likely poor conjecture. 

AITKEN'S 

GENERAL AMERICAN 

REGISTER, 

AND THE 

GENTLEMAN'S And TRADESMAN'S 

COMPLETE 

ANNUAL ACCOUNT BOOK, 

AND 

CALENDAR, 

For The POCKET or DESK; 
For The YEAR of Our LORD, 

1773 



PHILADELPHIA: 

Printed by Joseph Ckukshank.* 

For R. Aitken, Bookseller, opposite the 

London- Coffee-House, Front-Street. 

(Inside of the front cover in ink.) 



*Spelled Ckukshank. 

356 



Mem. for Doct/r Morris ab/t 30 feet Iron 4 1/2 inches wide less less 
than 1/2 inch thick this is the middle 

Major 

Parry 14 

1 [ousaker 19 

Beaty 11 

Nagel 20 

Henry Bicker 16 

Wood [6 

M/cPhereson 5 

Ross 5 

1 Back of the title pane in ink.) 

Mary Wiley 

Mary Way at Wilminton 

one Sellers a Brick maker 

near Wilmington brother in law to Wiley 

Captains Sam/1 Wattson 

Jn/o Beaty Tho/s Church 

Tho/s Craig Jn/o Hillings 

P. Frazer Fred : Vernon 

Jn/o Miller Dav/d Lenox 

\\ in West Walter Steward 

Jn/o Brisbane Tho/s Boyle 

Sam/1 Benezet Jn/o Reese 

Tho/s Robinson Jn/o Spoon 

Rudolph Bonner Nath/1 Van/ant 

Stephen Bayard Ja/s Moore 

Jn/o Lacy Henry Ellis 

Peter Skull Ja/s Taylor 

Caleb North 1'cter Decker. 

Chris. Stewart Jo/s Hubley 

Alex. Graydon W/m Butler Dunken 

(Page 2) 
467 Cords Wood 



(Page 4) 
Doctor Kennedy 



(Page 5) 



£ 7.. 17. 



David Register 
John Register 



1 . . 10 



357 



(Page 6) 

1776 

Jany. 22/nd 

Received from Col/o Wayne 

Put into the hands of M/r Bartholomew. 

Paid at Dilworths 

Paid Buckley Jan/y 27/th 

Paid at Hills.. ..th 

Paid Buckley Jan/y 31 , 

Paid at Martins 

received from Col Wayne , 

Paid at Half way House 

at Andersons 

Paid at Bells Kennett Square , 

at Welshs and Davis's 

at Chester turn 

at Dilworths , 

Paid Blackwood y/e Drummer , 

P/d M/r Bartholomw in Chester 

Received from Col Wayne 

Feb/y 12/th P/d Buckley 



Receiv'd 



54-. I— ■ 



54 



10. 



20. 



5-- 
8.. 
1 . . 



3- 
13- 

7- 
£70.. 



5- 
7- 

7- 
17- 
10. 

10. 

9- 

1 . 

3- 

19. 

6. 

10. 

10. 



19- 



.1 



6] 
61 



61 
8 
6 



10 



(Page 8 in pencil) 



Docto/r Kennedy 

p/d for his gloves 

his Share of Expences to Albany . 

Decem/r 1776, Journey from 



Paid Portage up. . . 

Bread and Beef 

a Jugg 

Wine 

Fowls 

Butter 

Porterage down 
Expences to Albany. 

3 mile house 

Van Eyks mill 



3-- 



I . . 




IS-- 


2 


3-- 


8 


19.. 




1 . . 


4 


8.. 


6 


3- 




2. . 


8 



[O 



35S 



at Cookhagen 

at Van Vachtens 

at Catskill 

at Kirchland 

at Sopus Doct/r p/d 8/ 





5-- 


••1 










9.. 


O 










3-- 


IO 










[2. . 














1 







(Page 10) 



(written in ink) 



2709 M T 
_7 10 R F — 6 

2717 PF 6 

2718 SF 

(pencil) Vanduzen 




8. . 

2 

7- 

> 


8 
8 
8 




7 ■ ■ 
4.. 


6 


(in pencil) 
at lturlv Town* 


at Rochester Shoemakers 


at Ncwkirchs 


at Philip Swartwoods 


at \\ est Brooks 


at Deckers at \\ alpack 











(Page 12 continued in pencil) 



at Tomkins Wind Gap. . . 

at Nazareth 

Bethlehem 

at Bryans 

at Kacklein 

rlorse Hire 

Horse Hire to M Gom/y 

Expences there 

Horse hire to philad/a. . 



[O 

6 
6 
3 

6 

(, l 
6 

6 



(Page 14 in ink) 



U States Expences from Ty — . . 
Forage to i/st June 161 days — . 



8.. 18.. 6 



'Hurlytown (?) 



359 



(Page 16 in ink) 



2 

8 
10 



Feb/y i/st 

Borrow'd of Isaac Taylor to Pay 
Alex/r Thomson £ 

Paid Isaac Taylor 

receiv'd from John Flowerson 

flour Account 

Paid alex Dick for fish 

Expences to hook and Wilmin/n 



I . . 


. . 


— 


£i.. 
i . . 






2. . 


4.. 


— 


14.. 
8.. 


9 
4 





. 



(Page 17 in ink) 



Went to Hook and Wilmington. 
on Acc/t of the Estate 



(Page 22 in ink) 



8 



Re/d from Job fallows 

Paid M/r Glen for Greens Estate. 

Paid Expences Arbitration 

at neals. Greens Estate 

Paid Nehemiah Baker d/o 

Paid Nath/a Baker 

Paid Black Tone* (Green) 

lent Dan/1 Calvert 

Expences at Hills 

Paid Dan/1 Bromall my Poor Tax. 

Paid Mathew Clarke 

Lent Jn/o Christopher wife 



10. 



17. 

10 

10 

8 

15 
5 

7 

j 

2 



6. 



19. 



1* 

-I 



(Page 27 in ink) 



a likely negroe man county born 27 y. 
age had Small pox and measles and 
bred enquire magdalene morgan Rad- 
nor Gazette 24/th march 



-I 



March 20 A hearty Negroe fellow ab/t 
22 y/s age enquire Hall and Sellers 
Gazette 24/th March 



*Tom(?) 



360 



Northampton Bucks C/o 
Sundry negroes to be sold by 
I [elena l)u Bois 



d/o 



(Page 30 written cro wise of the page in pencil) 

from end of the Boom to the eastern point of the Jersey Redoubt 
to the end of the B»,, in the course N 55 West — distance 52 perches 
the gen/1 course of y/e boom X 62 East 

t Page 102 in pencil) 

the deptli at the bit;. 6 feet 
Bridge at perches. 7 

u 8 

18 17 

->4 20 

3° 22 

3 6 2I 

42 22 

48 22 

54 22 

60 22 

66 22 

72 21 

78 21 

84 11 18 

8 



(Page 104 in pencil) 

at 6 perches from 6 

the East Side 

Boom 12 6 

18 6 

24 14 

30 14 

36 15 

42 18 

48 18 

54 19 

60 19 

66 19 

72 20 



36i 



7 8. 

84. 

9 o. 

96. 
102. 
108. 
114. 
120. 
126. 
132. 

138. 
144. 
152. 



.21 
.22 

•23 

.24 
.18 
. 10 

■ 9 
. 8 



(Page 106 in ink) 



Mary Rodgers Ticket in the Pickering 

Lottery 915 — 

Mary Anne Frazer 916 

Persifor Frazer 917 

Sally Frazer 918 

Bobby Frazer 919 

Mary Frazer 920 

Nancy Frazer 913 

914 



General Frazer probably purchased lottery tickets for Mary Rodgers, five of his 
children, and his sister Anne (Nancy). The omission of the naimes of Martha and 
Eliza suggest that the tickets were bought "before the birth of the former and 
elder, or at least before she had become old enough to be thought of for a gift of 
that kind. 



(Page 108 in pencil) 



Decem/r 28/th 

Gave to M/rs Harper by 

Directions from her Husband. 

30 Doll/rs 

my own money 

he is to repay me 



II. . 


5-- 







(On the back of the second title page (p. 112 of book) written in ink) 

Rec/d 28/th Mar/h 1776 of Cap: Frazer the Sum of three pounds 
ii/ii in full of his Ac/t 

James Glenn 

362 



Rec/d 28/th Mar/h 1776 of Cap t Frazer the Sum oi one ])ound 
16/11 in full of Loudhead and Glenns Ac/t 

James Glenn 

(Written in ink on the inside oi the back cover) 

Colo/s 

Wayne 23 

S/tClair 23 

Shee 23 

M cGaw 20 

Attlee 17 

Lambert Cadwalader 15 

Broadhead 14 

Johnston 10 

Lieut. Colonels 

Cadwalader 21 

Allen 20 

Johnston 20 

Penrose 20 

Hartley 17 

Erwin 15 

Broadhead 11 

Wood 12 

Friends 

It seems to me as if the time was nearly aproaching in 
which I must Seek a Reconciliation, not from a motive of outward, 
or worldly Views, but a real apprehention of duty, not finding true 
peace of mind without it: may you deeply feel, weigh and Consider 
and when your minds are tilled w/th Heavenly Wisdom and Divinely 
Influenc'd, Remember, and pray for, one, who, however tin worthy 
Heartily desireth Truths prosperity, I'm persuaded it will be readily 
Confess'd that in taking a View of the times, and of the Shatterd Con- 
dition of our Society it will aford Real Matter of Lamentation, mourn- 
ing, and Deep Sorrow of Heart, one falling on the one hand and an- 
other Droping off on the other, was there ever more need, to weep be- 
tween the poarch and the -alter, and Say, i ord Spare thy People and 
give not thy Heritage to Reproach: with a mind tmpress'd w/th 
Strong desires that the faithful and Honest hearted Labourers may be 
preserved, and the Number Increas'd, I Rest, and Venture to Sub 
scribe my Self your ffr/d and well wisher 

To ffrd/s at 

Concord I. P. 

3(>3 



The preceding address without name or date has been introduced 
among the papers of Persifor Frazer XVI-i because of his connection 
through his wife with the Society of Friends. There was no such con- 
nection in the generations XIV and XV. 

It was folded nearly square and enclosed in an envelope rudely cut 
out of a parchment deed on which the following words appear, but 
there is not the slightest reason to believe that the deed had any 
relation whatever with the avowal to which it was simply a cover. 

The missing words were cut off in shaping the envelope. 
1726 

the one part and Georg 
lawful Money of Pennsylva 
they have for their said Son and for 
his actual Seizin now being by Virtue of 
between the same parties as the These Present 
ndred and forty eight Perches to a black 
by the Land of Nathaniel Newlin Eigh 
Oak in the Line of Moses Key's Laud 
Thence West by the same fifty perches fo 
fores/d Weaver In Fee As by Indenture i 
Price In Fee by Indenture of the twenty 
One thousand seven hundred and twenty 
Day of January Anno Dni. One thousand seven hundred and twenty 
six whatsoever thereunto belonging and the 

Reversions and Remainders thereof And all the Estate Ri 
to hold the said messuage Plantation two Tracts of Land and Premises 
hereby granted with 

forever Under the yearly Quit rent accruing for the hereby granted 
Premises to the Chief Lord 

Premises hereby granted or mentioned to be granted With the 
Appurtenances unto the said Georg 

all and every other person and persons lawfully claiming or to claim 
by from or under him 

these Presents have interchangeably set their Hands and Seals here- 
unto Dated the Day and Y 
Sealed and Delivered 

Joseph Gillpin and Ux/r 

to 
George Gillpin 



A sketch map of a road Survey from the White Horse 
Road to Rowland's Mill road with title Draught of Geo. 
Veslers road Survey August 21/st 1779 p/r Jno. Beaton. 

364 



Endorsed 

Return of a Survey of a Road from Geo. Vesler's Saw 
mill to thyar (sic). 



The President presents his Compliments to 

M/r Frazer 
and begs the Favor of his Company at 
Dinner, on Thursday next, at Four 3 
o'CIock. 



A subscription book, 6\" X 4", for a map of Philadelphia with 
agreement between James Smither Engraver and John Reed, the 
names of Subscribers, and other memoranda. 

Proposals for Publishing by Subscription a Plan of the City and 
Liberties of Philadelphia laid down from Original Surveys made by 
Thomas Holmes Surveyor General of tlu province of Penn a and 
others, in consequence of Warrants from W/m l\nn Esquire, true and 
absolute proprietor of the said province. 

This plan will contain 

i/mo A draught of the City of Philadelphia divided into Lots, and 
numbred according to the Original Plan which Thomas Holmes sent 
to Philip Ford to be engraved. 

2/do. A List of the names of all the ( )riginal purch/rs with the num- 
ber of acres of Land they purchas/d Opposite to each Name will be 
the Number of the Lot appurtenant to such purchase. In another 
column will be the Names of the person who took up each Purchasers 
Liberty Lands, and the quantity he received. 

3/no A draught of all the Liberty Lands, with the Owners Name; 
Or the name of the person who took up each purchasers Liberty Land, 
inserted in the Survey, a few Instances excepted, where the surveys 
are very small; In which. Case there will be Letters of Reference, and 
a List annex'd 

The whole to be neatly engraved on a Copper-plate Five Feet three 
Inches long, and about two Feet five Inches Wide. With each plan will 
be delivered a printed Book, containing the Returns of Survey, on 
which the Plan is founded and an alphabetical List of the first pur- 
chasers, with their places of abode, Titles of Distinction etc., to many 
of them, as they stand in the Original Catalogue of Purchasers signed 
by William Penn 

Two Lots of numbers will be annexed to this List, One refering to 

3"5 



the Township, according to the catalogues of Purchasers, the other to 
the page of the Book where the survey is to be found. 

The price to Subscribers 
will be Forty Shillings: ten shillings to be paid at the time of Sub- 
scribing ; and the residue on the delivery of the plan. 
We the Subscribers do respectively promise to pay to John Reed, or 
his Order, the sum of ten shillings on demand, for every plan by us 
respectively subscribed for, according to the number we affix against 
our Names, and the further Sum of Thirty Shillings for each plan, to 
be paid on the delivery thereof. 

Witness our Hands 

Michael Hillegass (i), John Jacobs jun (i), Israel Jacobs (i), Joseph 
Fox (i), David Rittenhouse (i), William Masters (i), Tho. Whar- 
ton (i), Jerem: Warder (i), John Bamhill (i), Benjamin Armitage (i), 
John Cox jun (i), William Dewees (i), Isaac Howell (i), Thomas 
Tilbury (i), Dan/1 Clymer ( i ), Reuben Haines (i), John Lueken (i), 
T. Luekens (i), Joseph King (i), W/m Wishart (i), James Stroud (i), 
Townsend Speakman (]), Thomas Shoemaker (i), Jacob Hiltzheimer 
(i), William Coffine (i), John Bissell (i), Fred. Kuril (i), Jon/n Lane 
Jun (i), James Pearson (i). Thomas Harrison (i), Stephen Reeves 
(i), Geo. Glentworth (i), William Shute (i), John Wood (i), Jos. 
Howell Jun (i), John Wright (i), Tho. Nevill (i), Philip Price (i), 
W/m West (i), Peter Dehaven (i), Elijah Weed (i), James Suttor (8), 
John Britton (i), Fergus Purden (i), Thomas Felton (i), Henry Rob- 
inson (i), Evan peters (2), W/m Robinson (1), Sam/1 Griscom (1), 
Robert Tatnall (1), Davis Bassett (1), Stephen Paschall (1), W/m 
Jenkins (1), W/m Woodron.(i), Benjamin Loxley (1), Jerem. Cresson 
(i), John Thomson (1), James Dickinson (1), Benjamin Morgan (1), 
James Worrall (1), Abel Evans (1), W/m Robinson (1), Peter Howard 
(2), Tho. Renshaw (1), John Moody (1), W/m Maulsby (1), Cha. Law- 
rence (9), W/m Williams (1), David Rose (1), Sam/1 Crispin (1), Tho. 
Vaughan (1), Tho. Crafts (1), Dan 1 Topham (1), Tho. Proctor (1), 
John Little (1), Benjamin Austin (1), John Tombs (1), Whiteh/d 
Humphreys (1), Sam/1 Richards (1), Aaron Phipps (1), Jos. Govett 
(1), John Chandler (1), James Bernard (1), John Fox (1), Stephen 
Cronin (1), Tho. Hale (1), Cha. W/m Nassau (1), John Johnson (1), 
Tho. Middleton (1), Isaac Coren (1), Lawrence Mann (1), John Jervis 
Jun/r (1), Jos. Jenkins (1), John Hart (1), Michael M/cGannon (1), 
Matthew Potter Jun (1), The honble John Barron Esq (1), Dan/1 
Evans for B. Rittenhouse (1), James Gillingham (1), John Elmslie (1), 
Jos. Watkins jun (1), Rowl/d Evans (1), James Massey (1), James 
Claypoole (1), Benj. Griffith (1), David Kinsey (1), Jos. Rush (1), Saml 
Garrigues (1), Jn/o Cunningham (1), Rich/d Robinson (1), Henry 

366 



Hubbs (i), Abram Tuley (i), William Ball (i). Alex/r Rutherford (i), 
John Sparks (i), James Brown (i), Henry Robinson (i), Sam 1 Wallis 
(i), Hugh Hughes (i), Benjamin Humphreys (i), Branson Van Leer 
(i), T. Lukens (i), John Thornhill (i), Tho. Cliffton (i), Henry Kep- 
pele jun (1), Adam Zantzanger I i ), Tho. Waters i i ). John Palmer (i). 
Benjamin Allison (i), Isaac Baker (i), Dan. King (i), John 1 Iannis (] ), 
\\ in Craig (i), Rich d Humphreys (i), W/m Milnoi (i), Sam/1 
Masse) I i i. \\ m Seller- (r), William ] )rewry (i), John Shearman (i), 
Jerem. Baker (i), John Forst (i), Cha. Moore (i), Tho. Reese (i), 
Silas Waits. Sun (i), Thos. Austin (i), John Hunt (i), Jon n Smith (i), 
Rohert Harris (1), Joseph Thornhill (i), John Young, jun ( i ). Nath/1 
Tilsbee jun ( i ). W/m Coates (i), W/m Potts (i), Jacob Souder ( i), 
James Watkins (i), John Goodwin (i), Cha. Lyon jun (i), Sam/1 
Pryor (i). Tho. Turner ( i ). Jasper Carpinter (i), John Jarman (i), 
P. Sonmans (i), Joseph Saul! (i), W m Robinson (i), W/m Pearson 
(i), Israel Morris, (Landjobber) (i). David Gumrie (i), John Dunn 
(i), Sam 1 Robinson (i). Tho. Buckman (i), Fred. I'liile (i), W/m 
Smith (Broker) ( i ). James Hartley ( l ), James Cassell (i I, John Mit- 
chell (i). Eden Haydock (i), Hump v Williams (i), John Roberts, 
G. M. (i), John Reighter, Merien, (i), W m Koster (i), Joseph 
Thatcher (i), Tho. Jones (i), Geo. Fetterman (i), John Renshaw (i), 
Lindsey Coates (i), W. G. for Peter Gaskill Esq (2), John Rich (1). 
Jacob Godshalk (1). Alex/r Stuart (1), John Perkins (1), Jacob 
Thomas (1), John Clark (1), T. M. for R. L. Hooper ( 1 ). Ephraim 
Anderson ( 1 ). Edw/d Bonsall (1), John Flynn ( 1), James Morrell d), 
\liram Howell (1), John Eastburn (1), John June- jun (1). Christ/r 
Marshall (1). John Dunlap (1), William Lawrence (i), Benjamin 
Sheets (1), Tho". Pryor (1), Tho. Mifflin ( 1). B. Austin for John '.Muss 
and Lancast (1), Jud Lukens for Cha. Lukens (1), Rob t Eyre (1), 
Rich d Mason (1), Matthew Ingram (1), Matthiers Lukens 1 1 I, Rob/t 
M'Minn (1). Jos. Lowncs (1), Isaac Hughes ( 1 ). Jos. Richardson ( 1). 
Morris Maulsby (1). Cadw/r Dickinson 1 1 ). Emanuel Rouse (1). James 

Chapman (1), Thomas Clifford (r). John Roberts . Miller. (1), 

Geo. Isherwood (1), Jos. Austin (1). Tos. Alston jun (1), W m Ibison 
(1). Rob. Dove (1), W/m Ball (1), W/m Goddard (i), W m Coates 
jun (1). Benjamin George (1). Ant. Jam. Morris (1), Tho. Savary (0, 
John Williams ( 1 ). Jacob Comley 1 1 I, John Thomson 1 1 I, John Brown 
(1), James Smither (1). Laughlin Martin ( 1). Sam I Bullis ( 1). Aaron 
Musgrave (1). Tho. Canby (1). W m Morrell (1), Stephen ('oats (i), 
John Winters (1), Jos. Wetherell (i), Jos. Wharton Sen (1), David 
Pancoast (1), Hawkins Boon 1 1). Philip Schrachter 1 [), Ludwig Sing- 
heiser (1). Thomas Lucas (1), Joseph Penrose (i), Isaac Lewis fi), 
Humphrey Marshall (1). Nath/1 Vernon 1 1 ), Ant y Wa] ne 1 1 I, Rich- 
ard Thomas (1), Benj/'a Reynolds (1), Hugh Lloyd n). Elijha Jones 

367 



(i), Jo' Gibbons jun/r (i), Jn/o Crosby jun/r (i), Persifor Frazer (i), 
Isaac Taylor (i), Thomas Potts (i), Thomas Hockley (i), Nath/1 
Newlin (i), Caleb Parry (i), Benj/a Jacobs (i), Randle Malin (i), 
Samuel Havard (i), James Hunter (i), Nathan Lewis (i), Jn/o Dick- 
enson Esq/r (2), Nath/1 Newlin (1). 



Rough draft of a letter to somie person unknown regarding desirable changes in 
the law governing the Register's and Recorder's Offices, in the handwriting of Gen. 
Frazer, very probably to a member of the Assembly who had asked for his views 
on proposed legislation touching this subject. It is not unlikely that the request 
for information had some connection with the complaints of Wm. Atlee's administra- 
tion of his office as intimated in the letter dated Chester August 13, 179 — See ante. 

As I have for a considerable time been in a very bad state of 
health, which has prevented me from paying that strict attention to 
your you requisitions contained in your w hich otherwise I should have 
done, I take this opportunity Liberty at this time of stating to you 
such matters relative to the Register and Recorders Offices, which in 
my opinion require the aid of the Legislature — And first in tlle when 
application is made to the Register in cases where the Wills of de- 
ceased persons are witheld by the persons those in whose custody they 
may be — when Witnesses to Wills either refuse or neglect to come 
forward and prove the same And when Executors or Administrators 
neglect to return an Inventory or to settle their Accounts — In all 
those cases it has been customary and agreable to law to issue a cita- 
tion under the Seal of Office but here the Registers power seems to 
be at an end, as there never has been an attachment issued in 
this County, to compel obedience, — and as far as I can be informed 
Seldom or never in any other part of the State — whether such power 
would be better in the hands of the Register or under the authority of 
the Registers Court I am not competent to determine — but cer- 
tainly the power should be in one or the other, as it may happen that 
an estate may be materially injured when dis a dishonest persons are re- 
factory may have possession thereof, anf j f or this reason It is in my 
opinion requisite that, a time should be limitted, for the Executors 
when present to a PP ] y prove the Will, and for those that have a right 

to Administration, to apply for the same It 't has some 

times happened that an Executor brings forward the Will but refuse to 
will not qualify for the present and refuses to renounce, and where 
there are more than one, under these circumstances, Letters Testa- 
mentary cannot be granted, untill he determines; this has frequently 
some times caused embarrassment — 

It has been customary in many counties in the State for the Orphans 

368 



Courts to settle Accounts of Administration and as the Registers have 
undoubted authority to do the same, it |lis very frequently caused 
much confusion — when the Register has has a moderate share of abil- 
ities to qualify him for the duties of his ( M'lice, he must certainly be 
more competent for the Settlement of Accounts which almost daily 
occur and which by so constant practice will become familiar to him, 
than <-"— a Court composed of Gentlemen whose attention have not 
been so much engaged in that business; and as three can form a Court 
and a rotation in the Service is attended to. they Cant mav p ro 
upon different principles and for want of constant experience may in- 
advertantly commit errors of Serious consequence, which this may very 
readily be done in admitting Vouchers and Charges which on strict 
scrutiny ought to he rejected. 

This part of the business Sir is by far the most troublesome dis- 
agreable and least profitable part of the duty of a Register but for the 
sake of regularity 1 think ought to he alto-ether in the his hands. 

Subject to Appeal in case of error, when the Ace ts are 

finally settled it seems to be the business of the l (rphans Court to at- 
tent to the distribution — One other reason for Ace t^ being wholly 
Settled by the Register is that it will scarcely ever cosl a third of the 
expence incurred by the other mode — These are the matters Sir of 
most importance which have occurred to me d — at present, relative to 
the Registers Office — As to the Recorded ( M'tice 1 have little to say, 
only, that, a person who will faithfully attend to his duty, and not 
demand more than the law requires, allows cannot be — recompensed 
for his time and attention to an < Iffice a business of so much importance ; 
especially since the Counties generally, are s<> small. and three or four 
hundred deeds at a time may lay on his hands the fees of which unpaid ail( ] the 
difficulty of recovering the collecting the fees so frequently remain unpaid 
11 ii t i II the deeds are taken up. hundreds .if which arc now upon my hands which I 
understand is likewise 

240 Deeds 
81 Mortg/s 
44 Wills' 
53 Adm/ns 

Broken off abruptly. 



Dear S — 

I flatter my Self 1 may take the Liberty to \sk your ad- 
vice In Regard to this farm as a friend — the Case is this I have 
for this Som years Past bean a blige to Live In a very Disagreable 
manner Intirely to Depend On the Honesty of Hirelings wich 
you well no is a very Poor way to mannage So Large a farm as 

369 



this- — so for that Reson and many Others I have a mind to Put it 
( )ut to the Shar (torn) advantage and for the ha (torn) of — 
(torn) famaly — I hope it will mee (torn) with all my frien (torn) 
aprobation' — thare is S/r a man of the Name of John Brown that 
Once Oned the Place you Now Live On has a Plied to me as a 
tenent and Refrrs me to you for his Carricktor wich pleased me 
to hav it in my Power to Inquire from So Good a friend — as I am 
Sartain a few Lines from Gen/1 Frazire Giveing him a Good 
Name if he is Worthy of it will have Great wait with Gen Wayne 
— M/r Browns famaly I think will Sute me as to the Number if 
you think Other matters will ancer as well but this I Shall Leve 
to your Better jugement — 

Pleas to Give my kind Love to your Good Lady and tell her I 
hope to have it in my Power to Pay her many (torn) this Insuing 
Summer if helth (torn) Wayne joins In Complements to th — 
(torn) Ladys and wou/d be very happy to Se them — 

your friend Molly Wayne 
Thursday morning 

Addressed 

Gener/1 Frazier 

Memoranda in another hand 
(torn) Lewis 
(torn) Jno/y for 
(torn) U Davis 
(torn) py of Joseph 

M/c ilduff will 

for Major Haris (torn) 



March 3. 1792 
D/r Sir 

Colonel Van Home wants to be in town next tues- 
dav, I cannot venture him in my chair, if you can Spare your cov- 
er'd carriage conveniently he and I will be very thankfull for it, 
thursday or friday it will certainly be returned, best compliments 
to your good familly from mine 

I am Sincerely yours 

Stephen Moylan 
Saturday March 3/d 1792 

I wish you woud dine with me tomorrow 
Addressed 

General Frazer 

370 



April 7. 1792 

Philad/a April 7. 1792 
Dear Sir 

As you propose going- to the Virginia Springs as soon 
as weather will permit, 1 suppose you mean to quit taking 
Medicine almost entirely, and perhaps you are right in that; But 
was that not the Case. I would lake the Liberty to suggest to the 
Gentlemen who attended you, the use of small Moses of Calomel, 
(or Mercury) as an alterature 

1 understand you have a Swelling in the left side in the Region 
of the Spleen, probably an obstruction of that Part- Mercurial 
Ointment rubbed on the Part might probably be used with ad- 
vantage: However as you propose setting out on your Journey 
soon, I would be cautious in these applications, in those Circum- 
stances — nothing more particularly occurs to me respecting your 
Case at present 1 wish you a pleasant Journey : and most sincerely 
wish it may be the Means of restoring your Health, and am 

Dear Sir 
Y/s Sincerely 

Sam/1 Duffield 
Addressed 

Percifor Frazer Esq/r 



Death of General Frazer. * 

(Statement of Elizabeth Smith May 13. 1884) 

General Frazer was in very bad health and bad been suffering 
some time when the family determined on a trip for his health to 
the Virginia Springs. His wife bad already completed the prelimin- 
ary arrangements of baking, preparing cold meats etc.. for the jour- 
ney, which were necessary in those days, and all were in readiness to 
start in the family carriage with two house servants (slaves), when 
Sallie Matson (cousin of bis wife, a Quaker preacher and a descendant 
of John Taylor) came to see him. She said she bad a "concern." 
After assembling the family and remaining in silent prayer for a while 
she said that she bad a conviction thai tbis journey would result in no 
good to Persifor. It was accordingly given up and they came to 
Philadelphia instead, and stayed at the bouse of Dr Duffield, an in- 
timate friend. While there Gen. Frazer became very ill and Dr. 
Duffield, his physician, called in the services of Dr. Rush, who first 
recognized the malady as heart disease and declared that a journey to 
Virginia would have resulted most disastrously. 1 \ote. Sam Rush 



*See Appendix hh. 

371 



told Gen. Frazer's daughter Sally that his Father was the first to 
recognize the nature of her Father's malady). 



On Tuesday April 24 1792 at about 10.30 P. M. General Frazer died. 

He was intenred in the cemetery of Middletown Presbyterian 
Church, Delaware County, Penna. ; but his grave was unmarked, and 
its location is unknown to his descendants. 



In Dunlap's American Advertiser Monday April 30/th 1792 appeared 
the following notice written by Dr. Benjamin Rush : 

"On Tuesday evening the 24/th inst. departed this life in this city, 
in the 56/th year of his age. Col. Persifor Frazer, late Register & Re- 
corder of the county of Chester, and formerly a Colonel in the Con- 
tinental army ; and yesterday his corpse was removed to his late dwell- 
ing near West Chester, for interment." 

"This respectable citizen served his country as an officer in the con- 
tinental army with zeal and activity, and though an active and decided 
friend to the revolution in every stage of it, yet such was his candour 
and moderation, that he acquired the general esteem and confidence 
of those who were not perhaps entirely of his political opinions." 

"Since the revolution, he has been honoured with several public ap- 
pointments ; all of which he discharged with such fidelity as will reflect 
honour of his memory." 

"By his death society is deprived of one of its most useful and or- 
namental members: and a respectable family have suffered an irre- 
parable loss." 

"He was an elder in the Middletown Presbyterian Church of Middle- 
town for some years before his death." 

"He was tall and though slender was very active and had great endur- 
ance. He was of a genial and lovable disposition." 



37? 



APPENDIX. 



May 13. 1755. This curious release of William Henry found 
among Persifor Frazer's papers is referred to on page 12. 

KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that I Jean Read of Lan- 
caster County Spinster Singh-woman As well for and in Consid- 
eration of the sum of Fifty Nine founds, lawful money of Penn- 
sylvania unto me well and truly paid by William Henry of the 
City of Philad/a Shopkeeper at and before the Sealing and de- 
livery hereof the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge As 
for divers other good Causes and Considerations me especially 
moving have remised released and for ever discharged And by 
these presents for me my Heirs Executors and Administrators do 
remise release and for ever discharge the said William Henry his 
Heirs Executors and Administrators of and for all and all man- 
ner of Actions, Cause and Causes of Action and Actions, Suits, 
debts, dues, duties, sum and sums of money. Accounts. Reckon- 
ings, Bonds, Bills, Specialities, Covenants, Contracts, Controver- 
sies, Agreements, promises, Variances, Assaults, Batteries, In- 
juries, damages Expences, judgments. Extents, Executions, 
Claims and demands whatsoever in Law and Equity; which 
against the said William Henry I ever had, now have, or which I 
my Heirs Executors or Ad (obliterated) hereafter can shall or 
may have for upon or by reason of a certain (obliterated) child 
aged about Five years born of my Body, whereof I (obliterated) 
William Henry to be the reputed Father, or for upon or by rea- 
son (obliterated) respect of the finding keeping educating in- 
structing bringing up and providing for such Male Child or for 
upon or by reason of any other Matter Cause or Thing whatso- 
ever from the beginning of the World to the day of the date of 
these presents In Witness whereof I the said Jean Read have 
hereunto set my hand and Seal the Thirteenth day of May in the 
year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and fifty five 

her 

Jane X Read 

Mark 

373 



Sealed & delivered 
in the presence of Us 
Robert Thompson 
William Thompson 



Endorsed 



Release 
Jean Read 

to 

W/m Henry 

Left in Care of P. Frazer 

by Wm Henry 



a. p. 14. 

In the receipt book of Edmund Physick a merchant of Philadelphia, 
last Receiver General under the Penn Proprietary interest and Father 
of Philip Syng and Henry White Physick; now (1906) in possession of 
John Douglass Brown, Esq., are the following notes: 

Received September 12/th 1758 of Mr Edmond Physick One Pound 
Six Shillings & 3d for 1500 Needles. 

£1,, 6,, 3 

Pers/r Frazer 

Rec'd 22/d May 1759 of Edmund Physick the sum of seventeen 
shillings & 6d for 1000 needles 
17/6 

Pers/r Frazer 

Needles therefore sold at about the rate of two for a cent or ha'penny. 



b. p. 16. 

July 10. 1762 ("2d year of reign of Geo. Ill") 

Bond of Robert Finney of Co. of Dorchester Md. to P. F. for 
£ 117 , , 18 , , 7. Witnesses Jonathan Vaughn & David M/cMurtrie. 
"Duty Paid" 

H. Y. Johnson Clerk 



c. p. 16. 

Memorandum. 
Geo. Bridges 300 A/s on little Tuscarora about three or four miles 
from the big Crossing of Tuscarora dated July 10/th 1762 — 
Dan/1 Jones 250 A/s on Muddy run & on the Traders path this side 
the Shade Mountain, July 10/th 1762 — 

374 



Jn/o Rollins 300 A/s on both sides of Shavers Creek adjoin/g Geo: 

Aliens Land to the Smith West — 
James Newell, 300 A/s on the North side of Rays Hill upon a small 

branch of Standing Stone Creek, including a small parcel] of 

deadned Saplins — 
Jn/o Johnston 300 A/s adjoining James Newell upon a small branch 

of Standing Stone Creek, on the North Side of Rays Hill to the 

Eastward of Newell. 
Geo: Kemly 200 A/s on both Sides of a large Run which leads into 

the East Branch of little Juniata, including a Swamp ab/t a mile 

from Jn/o Woods improvement. 
W/m Baker 150 Acres, on a large Run, running Westward into the 

Middle branch of little Juniata including a White Oak mark'd 

E W East of said Branch 
a Warr/t to W/m Patterson for 200 on a run on the west end of 

Kish/a Valley includ/g a Spring from March i/st 1760. 
d/o 209 upon a Run on the trad, g path to the Ohio — 
D/o on the Frankstown Branch Juniata adj/g the Canon place 
Rob/t Tuckness on both sides of last Creek 
Cha/s Williams on the Lead of Woods Run 
Jn/o Barr opp/t Canoe place 
Alex Stedman joins Thorton 

d/o Mitchell improvmnt 

d/o joing A Lowry Canoe place & opposite 

Jn/o Barr opp/t Canoe place 

Alex/r Stedman on the South side of Juniata join/g 
Alex/r Lowry, & to extend up s/d Creek — 
Alex/r Stedman on the South side of Juniata above the large bent 

joining Thortons improvm/t 
D/o on both Sides of Tho/s Mitchells run on Traders path ab/t a mile 

from Mitchels improvem/t includ/g a mill Seat 



The date at which these notes were made, their author, and their significance arc 
all unknown. 

a Tract of 200 Acres including a large Bottom on the South Side of 
Juniata nearly opposite Carmichaels Land about two Miles from 
Auchwick falls this Land Lies Where James Carmichael Lived and 
Sold to one Gibson 

a Tract of 100 Acres on the South Side of Frankstown Branch about 
a mile above Standing Stone Creek Doctor Smith has this Land 1 was 
on it the 15/th Instant 

375 



a Tract adjoining Adam Terances improvement on the North Side of 
Franktown Branch this Land Joyns Land of John Gemmil Below 

water Street the warrant of Gemmils Land was in Sam/I Wil 

sons name 

a Tract on both sides of a large Run which leads into the East Branch 
of Little Juniata about a Mile from Jn/o Woods improvement this 
Land Lies up Spruce Creek Where the Warrior Mark Run Emptys 
into Spruce Creek 

A Tract on a large Run running Westward into the Middle Branch of 
Little Juniata including a White Oak mark'd E W Eastward of said 
Branch this Land I Cannot Get any acct of 

August I. 1766 

John Barr Esq/r 100 acres of land in Cumberland Co. Pa. including 
his runs the westernmost heads of Mahantung's Creek and adjoining 
lands surveyed to Joseph Sterret 

August 1, 1766. 



d. p. 16. 
Sept. 10. 1762 

Land warrant by the Proprietaries to Alexander Stedman of Phila- 
delphia for 100 acres of land in Cumberland Co. Penna. To John 
Lukens Surveyor General. Signed James Hamilton 

Endorsed as having been surveyed by W/m Maclay D. S. Nov 7. 
1767. 



e. p. 17. 

Probably about 1763. 

Monday afternoon 
M/r Frazer 

I should not have troubled you with a letter at this 
time was I not so uneasy. I hear almost every day of something or 
other that Captain Miles says of me which I think if he does he useJ 
uses me very ill for I think 1 should not have expected any such thing 
from a person that had acted as he has done I desire and intreat of 
you. if ever you heard him say any thing about me you would let me 
know for I think that if it is true as people say that we had better 
break off at once and not for him to kee P me or make a fool of me, 1 
have just heard that he told Major Clayton that he would never have 
me without my Parents consent for I was never brought up to work 

376 



and without that he could never maintain me without my Father gave 
him part of his estate, I desire that you would ask Clayton whether lie 
ever said any thing to George Hitner for it was he told my Brother 1 
desire that you will excuse this unintelligible scrall as 1 am every mo 
ment interrupted 1 desire an answer as soon as possible 1 remain 

C. Wist IT 

Major Asher Clayton and Capt. Samuel Miles were Officers of the Pennsylvania 
Regiments in 1760. Major Clayton died in 1774 in New Jersey. Capt. Miles sub 1 
quently became Colonel of the Henna. Battalion in 1775. This letter was written 
probably between 1760 & 1770. 



f. p. 39. 

Persifor Frazer signed the Non Importation Resolutions adopted 
by the merchants of Philadelphia Oct. 25, 1765, and now in the pos- 
session of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 



g- P- 39- 

Itemized charge of Joshua Bean against W/m Noblitt for collec- 
tions by the latter (including £ 5 — from Pers/r Frazer May 10. 1766) 
for Bean, and advances by Bean in all £ 0.0 , , 12 , , 6. 



h. p. 41. 

November term 1766. 

Summons by H. H. Graham to Jesse Maris Sheriff of Chester Co. 
to bring Joshua Bean into Court to show cause why a writ of execu- 
tion should not issue against him for his debt to W/m Noblitt of 
£ 159 , , 14 , , — and J2 shillings for Damages and costs adjudged due 
to Noblitt but not yet paid. 



January 1767. 

Memorandum of payment between the same, and receipt for fee by 
H. H. Graham 



February 26. 1767 

Receipt for fee P. Price 



1 p. 41. 

Persifor Frazer was married to Mary Worrall Taylor by the Rev. 
John Ewing the eminent Presbyterian Minister, Provost of Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania, Astronomer, and Geodesist, who in 1784 was 

377 



commissioned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to continue 
Mason and Dixon's line to the Ohio river and "complete the boundary 
between this State and Virginia." 



J- P- 42. 

Extracts from account books of Nathan Edwards formerly a shoe- 
maker, and afterwards proprietor of the Black Horse tavern near 
Media and Middletown Meeting House. 

These books contained current accounts with his customers from 17.29, 
when he was a shoemaker, and later when a tavern keeper. Mr. Edgar 
Miller of Media loaned them several years ago to Mr. Joseph Willcox. 
They are now the property of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 
At the period which the dates in them indicate small change was 
scarce, and running accounts were necessary in conducting a retail busi- 
ness. 



April 5 
1767 



October 
2/d 



Peirce Frasor Dr 

to Entertainmt in company Vernon 

& Nathaniel Calvert pair 

Purcifer Frazor left unpaid 

Feb. ye 9. 1769 

to expenses 



o . 10 
3. 9 



k. p. 42. 
January 1767 
William Noblitt 
v 
Joshua Bean 

Bond dated 21/st May 1764 for £ 79 

Interest due 

January 8/th 1767 was paid 23 , , 12 , , — 
Jany 27/th 1767 more paid 13 , , — , , — 



. 17. • ° 



36, , 12, , o 

Feb 26 1767 Reed 20 Shillings W. H. 
Feb. 26 1767 Reced Thirty Shillings P/r 

378 



Graham 
Price 



I. p. 45. 

August 1. [768. 
Cadwall/r Evans 

v Fi fa 

Josh/a Bean to Aug. 1 1 768 

debt . . . .£ 19, , 4 , , 

B/d dated 25/th mar 170J 

Int for 16M/0 1 , , 4 , , 

Pton/y 1 , . <?> , 

Attoy 1 . . 10 , , 

Viz fees — . , 13 , , 

Ser of Ex/n mileage 

& poundage 1 , , 12 , , 

£25., to, . 
In/t for one month add 1 , , 



Rece/d the 25/th Aug/t 
1768 of M/r Persifor Frazer 
twenty-five pounds twelve 
Shillings and Eight pence in 
full of the debt & Costs in this 
Action for Josh/a Bean the 
defend/t 

John Morton Sheriff 



25. 



12 



o 

3 

o 
1 1 



10 
IO 



6 half Jo/s 18-0 — 

memorandum 2 Eng Guineas 3 — ^ — ° 

on tlie back 2 pistoles 2 — I 4 — O 

French pistole 1 — 6 — 6 

25— 8 — 6 
Small Charge 4 — ~ 

£25 : 12 : 8 



m. p. 45. 
December 31. 1768. 

Deed of Persifor Frazer and Mary Frazer to Richard Parks of the 
one fourth which was their share of the band left by John Taylor in 



379 



Ashton twp. Chester Co. before John Hannum one of His Majesty's 
Justices of the Peace Jan. 7, 1769. 

(The seal opposite the signatures of Persifor Frazer and Justice 
Hannum is still very perfect and from a well engraved die represent- 
ing the head of a man in armor. The seal opposite Mary Frazer's 
name represents a swan also from a well engraved die.) 
Jan. 2. 1769. Similar dwd of same tract by Richard Parks to P. F. 
before Justice Hannum. 

( the same armored-head Seal opposite names of P. F. & Hannum 
& the Swan opposite that of Rich/d Parks.) 



August 28. 1769 

Settlement with Persifor Frazer by Joshua Bean. Witness Abel 
Roberts. 



October 9. 1769. 

Receipt of Joshua Bean to Persifor Frazer for £ 26 , , 10 , ,0 



n. p. 58. 

April 15. 1 77 1. 

Power of Attorney Joshua Bean to P. F. 



April 30. 1 77 1 

Sight draft of P. F. on Alex. Robinson of East Whiteland in favor 
of Dr. Sam/1 Kennedy. 



o. p. 64 
February 21. 1774. 

Receipt for a deed executed by Jesse Maris Sheriff to William 
Noblitt for a house & lot late the estate of Joshua Bean by H. H. 
Graham. 



Belonging to this period is a book of 32 pages including title 6J"X7§" 
bound in boards with marble cover entitled "An ||Explanation|| of the 
|jMAP of the CITY and LIBERTIES|| of ||PH1LADELPHIA|| by 
John Reed. ||Philadelphia|| Printed for the AUTHOR, and Sold by 
Mr NICHOLAS BROOKS in SECOND-STREET between MAR- 
KET and CHESTNUT STREET ||M. DCC. LXXIV.|| 

TH E 

CONTENTS. 
I. A Copy of a release from Mr. Penn to one of the first adven- 

turers 

380 



II. Air tract of the concessions of Mr. Penn to the fust adven- 

turers and purchasers in Pennsylvania. 

III. Ditto Mr. Perm's order to his commissioners. 

IV. A description of the fust great town, (when divided) then 

called the city and liberties. 

V. Abstract of Mr. Penn's letter to the free society of traders in 

London. 

VI. Thomas Holme's description of the city of Philadelphia. 

VII. Abstract of a letter from Philip Ford in London, to Thomas 

Holme in Philadelphia concerning the map of the city. 
\ III. A Copy of sundry original papers, to prove the bounds of the 

city according to Holme's plan. 
1 X. Abstract of the charter of the city. 

X. The reasons why the plan of the city was altered by Benjamin 

Eastburn, S. G. 

XI. The liberties granted to the fust purchaser, and the courses 

of the same. 

XII. Copies of sundry original papers, to prove the bounds of the 

liberties. 

XIII. Abstract of complaint entered in the minutes of the Assem- 

bly. 

XIV. The author's opinion of land said to have been concealed in 

the liberties; and the reasons why he gave it. 

XV. An alphabetical list of the first purchasers, referring to the 

map by way of numbers; where every purchaser may see 
the quantity he purchased, and the lots appurtenant to the 
same, etc. 

XVI. The courses and distances of all the surveys in the liberties; 

by which the map was made. 

XVII. The date of surveys cf all the lots in the city of Philadelphia, 

as far as Eighth Street from Delaware. 



p. p. 70. 
March 2. 1775. 

Memorandum of patent of tract of land of 150 Acres Jan. 9. 1738 
to Clement Plumsted (dee'd) which tract was taken up in Trust for 
John Taylor &c. 

An opinion by John Dickinson is endorsed on the ')ack of this mem- 
orandum in the following words : 

The tracts within mentioned being proved, I am of opinion, that 
the Heirs of John Taylor have a good title to the Lands within men- 
tioned 

John Dickinson 
March 2/d 1775 
381 



q. p. 148. 

Smith's Clove (Orange Co. N. Y.) is a level plain of rich land at 
the foot of the high mountains on the west side of the Hudson river 
fourteen miles from West Point. It was called "the Clove" or "the 
Cloves." (Thacher's military journal quoted by Baker.) 



r. p. 151. 

Howell's Ferry is now called Stockton three miles above Lambert- 
ville (then Coryell's Ferry) N. J. 



s. p. 151. 

"Cross Roads" is now Hartsville near the Neshaminy Creek, War- 
minister township, Bucks County Penna., about fourteen miles N W 
of Philadelphia. 



t. p. 152. 

Graeme Park which still exists, was the mansion house of Sir Wil- 
liam Keith. It is in Horsham township, Montgomery County, Penna., 
nineteen miles from Philadelphia near the Bucks County line and the 
Doylestown Willow Grove turnpike. Later it was purchased by Dr. 
Thomas Graeme from whom it derives its name. 



u. p. 157. 

One of the perplexing subjects connected with these papers is the loca- 
tion of the Blue Ball tavern which plays an important part in the story of 
the capture of Captain Frazer a few days after the battle of Brandywine. 

As this tavern is frequently mentioned in connection with the Seven 
Stars tavern and hamlet (now called Village Green) of which the loca- 
tion in Ashton (Aston) township is very well known, it may be worth 
while to begin with the latter. Village Green lies about li miles due 
north from the Delaware river on the western side of South Chester, and 
about f mile west of Chester Creek at its first bend to the westward north 
of Dutton's Mill. 

The Frazer house at Thornbury (of which illustrations will be found 
elsewhere in this book) is still standing in Thornbury township about J 
mile N by W of Glen Mills Station (which was close by the site of the 
Sarum Forge) and § of a mile west of Chester Creek. 

The distance between this house and Village Green (formerly Seven 

382 



Stars) in a straight line is very closely five miles, but liy the road some- 
thing over six miles. 

In going by the road from Village < ireen to the Thornbury House the 
general direction is slightly west of the destination until Ivy Mills is 
reached where one turns to the right (east) as far as Glen Mills, thence 
left along the right bank of Chester Creek to the first road, and again 
left to the house, which is close by. 

Dilworthtown lies a little less than four miles a little north of west 
from Thornbury house. 

In the narrative of the Battle of Brandywine Gen Frazer's daughter, 
then eight years old and at school, says her Father remained with his 
command on the field till night and then mounting a wounded soldier on 
his horse walked by his side from Chadd's Ford to the Seven Stars ( Vil- 
lage Green) and then "rode home 5 or 6 miles," i. e. rode from Village 
Green to the Thornbury house, which is, as she says, actually five miles 
in an air line, or six miles by road a little west of north, (p. 135 ) . 

Mary Worrall Frazer confirms this (p. 157) and states further to her 
grand-daughter Elizabeth Smith: "On Saturday" (two days after the bat- 
tic.) "quite early your grandfather rode over to the Blue Ball tavern 
on the Chester road two or three mites from home" &c. That is, 
the distance was about half that to the Seven Stars; but the sentence 
quoted gives no information as to the direction. 

The indication that the Blue Ball tavern was on the "Chester road" is 
not very helpful, for one end of almost every road in that locality runs 
to Chester, and would be called the "ChesU r road" by the neighbors. 

Elizabeth Smith gives the following account which she evidently had 
from her Grandmother Mary Worrall Frazer, her mother, or her aunts: 

"A few days after the battle of Brandywine Major Frazer and Major 
Harper being on reconnoitering duty a few mites from home went into 
the Blue Ball tavern on the Chester road" * * &c * "a number of 
horsemen coming up the road * * * proved to be a considerable 
body of the British coming up from the Seven Stars to join Cornwallis 
who lay encamped on the South Valley llili." 

From this account we learn that on the route from Seven Stars to 
Cornwallis's camp on Sept. 16, 1777 lav tins elusive Blue Ball tavern. 

The South Valley Hill extends for many miles and therefore is not dis- 
tinctive enough to enable one to get the compass direction of the route of 
the soldiers, but a little further on tin- narrator says of a conversation 
which occurred " * * * "this occurred as they were passing Goshen 
Quaker meeting House." Now the Goshen Meeting House is a well 
known place of worship which exists at tl e present time in East Goshen 
township to the east of West Chester. The general line taken by the 
British in reaching Cornwallis's camp from the Seven Stars was about 
N. N. W. and the situation of the camp on the South Valley Hill must 

383 



have been somewhere near "Frazer" the junction of the main line and 
West Chester branch of the Pennsylvania R. R. 

Elizabeth Smith further on describes the situation of the camp as on 
the "back fields of our valley home" which corroborates the above loca- 
tion. Wherever the Blue Ball tavern was, therefore, it must have been 
somewhere on a line between the present Village Green and a point on the 
South Valley Hill not far from "Frazer"' station on the Pennsylvania 
railway; and on this line, which passes not far to the east of Thornbury 
House, about three miles from the latter. 

There is a Blue Ball tavern within a mile or so of Wilmington, Del. 
but that location is out of the question here. 

It is hardly necessary to say that the Blue Bell near Darby is equally 
unacceptable both because the name is different and because its location 
would not fit the stories in which the "Blue Ball on the Chester Road" 
appear. 

Mr Joseph S. Harris in his sketch which will be found in the Appen- 
dix locates the Blue Ball tavern as "about half way between his" (Col. 
Frazer's) "house and Village Green," which agrees, with reasonable cer- 
tainty, with the location I have deduced from the papers above cited at 
least so far as distance is concerned. 

I am indebted to Mr. Gilbert Cope for the following information : 

"From what is said of the location of the Blue Ball tavern 1 am in- 
clined to think it was in Edgemont at the present residence of James 
Thorp, where a tavern was started in 1701 by Isaac Yarnall. In his 
petition he represented "that your Petitioner's House is very conveniently 
Situated for a publick House of Entertainment on Edgemont Great Road 
leading to the great Valley, &c, about eight miles nearer Chester than the 
Sign of the Boot, where Jonathan Davis lately kept publick House, and 
about four Miles above Talbot's Tavern." After the death of Isaac 
Yarnall. in 1765, his widow, Mary Yarnall, continued the business till her 
death, about the 1st of Nov. 1766. John Hoopes rented the property and 
kept tavern till 1 771 , when John Neal succeeded him for six years at least. 
In none of his petitions is any name assigned to the house. No record 
of licenses can be found for 1777. This place is certainly on the "Chester 
Road" and on the most direct road from Village Green to Goshen Meet- 
ing and the Valley ; also about three miles from the Thornbury house. 
Probably discontinued as a tavern 1778 or '9." 

"There was a Blue Ball Tavern in Chichester (Lower), where Archi- 
bald Dick kept tavern for several years before the Revolution. Another 
Blue Ball was in Tredyffrin, established about 1730." 

Gilbert Cope. 

The following is a copy of the petition of Wm. McCoy to the Chester 
Court of which Mr. Cope has sent me a copy: 
To the Honourable Justices of the Court of General Quarter Sessions to 

384 



be held at Chester for the County of Chester on the twenty Seventh 
day of August 1765 — 
The Petition of William McCoy of the Township of Lower-Cliichester 
in the said County 
I lumbly Sheweth 

That your Petitioner now dwells in the I louse commonly called 
and known by the name of the Blue Ball Inn situate in the said Town 
ship, which hath been kept as a publick House of Entertainment these 
many years last past by Thomas Stroud, James Stroud and Thomas 
Howell; That your Petitioner hath an inclination to follow that business 
in the same place, and hath provided every thing necessary to carry on the 
same in a reputable manner; 

lie your said Petitioner therefore prays that your Honours will he 
pleased to Grant him a recommendation to his Honour the Governor for 
his License to keep a publick House of Entertainment in the place afore- 
said for the selling of Wine Brandy Rum Beer Cyder and other Liquors, 
And your said Petitioner shall pray &c. 

William Met !oy. 

We whose names are herewith Subscribed, being well Acquainted with 
the above Petitioner, do believe him to he a Sober and lit person to keep a 
publick House of Entertainment, and therefore desire that your Honours 
will be pleased to grant the prayer of his Petition. 

Joseph Cribble John Dutton 

Edward Whitaker Joseph Askew 

Jacob Howell Samuel Riddile 

Joseph Clayton Jno. Crawford 

Arch'd Dick Richard Clayton 

Thomas Barnard John Drewet 

Tno. Marshall Thomas Perkins 



v. p. 162. 

The Mrs Jenkins referred to in the middle of the page is the same 
as the "Mary Jenkins" mentioned elsewhere in the memoirs. 



w. p. 1 jr. 

On the third line from the top Col Frazer writes "30th of October" 
for "3d of October." 'This is evident from the statement on the third 
line below which is "We were kept in this manner till the 7th October." 
The date then had a 3 in it and was before the 7th. In fact the o of 30 
is connected with the stem of the small "t" above the line so that it would 
have been read "d" but for the following small "h." 

385 



x. p. 175. 

Mrs. Jenkins' departure from the city, spoken of in the second sen- 
tence of the letter, was probably by order of the British Commander on 
account of her activity in behalf of her captive countrymen. 



y. p. 181. 

Extract from a letter of Col. Francis Johnston to Gen. Wayne dated 
Cross Roads (Bucks Co. Penna.) March 31. 1778 

"I congratulate you on the arrival of my worthy friend Col. Frazer, 
I long to hear the particulars of his escape. Poor Hannum too, I learn 
has been equally fortunate." 



z. p. 182. 

In the couple of sentences from the middle of the page to the sixth 
line from the foot, is modestly described the hardest and most im- 
portant struggle during the battle of Monmouth. Wayne's Troops were 
given the post of honor. See on this subject "Battles of the American 
Revolution 1775-1781" by Henry B. Carrington, Col. U. S. A., Barnes 
& Co., 1876, p. 433 (where in the first sentence he declares the battle to 
have been fought "during the afternoon of June 29. 1777." but on p. 
445, in the statement of the finding of the General Court Martial, the 
correct date is given.) See also the work of the late Adjutant General 
S. S. Stryker of N. J. 



II. p. 184. 

General Gates was with his division at White Plains on July 24. 
1778. d'Estaing's fleet was off Sandy Hook July n. 1778. Wash- 
ington with the army was in the neighbourhood of White Plains on 
July 20. 1778. 



aa. p. 185. 

In the second paragraph of page 185. Col. Frazer says "Col. John- 
son has been unwell and absent since the battle of Monmouth" &c. 
This language implies Col. Johnson was present at that battle and if so 
probably commanded a brigade. It is a "family tradition" that dur- 
ing a part of this battle Col. Frazer himself commanded a brigade, 
which in case of any disability to Col. Johnson would naturally follow 
as Col. Frazer was next to him in rank. 

386 



!)l>. p. i Si). 

The marc spoken of in the postscript to Mrs Frazer's letter may be 

the weak and sickly animal alluded to in Col Frazer's letter to her of 
July 13. 1777. (p. 151.) 



cc. pages mi & [93. 

"Fitz." The history of this marauder, or bushwhacker as he would 
have been called in the Civil War of 1861 65, is very interesting. 

From Watson's Annals Vol. II. p. 83, — 4 the following account is 
somewhat condensed : 

Capt. Fitz. (James Fitzpatrick) roamed the Country by stealth as 
a "British refugee" attacking the goods of stanch whigs and delight- 
ing in peril, lie was likened to Roy Roy. 

Public Journal of Phila. of August [778 

This celebrated bandit of Chester Co. was taken and bro't to Phila. 
in Aug. 1778. lie was made prisoner by Robert McPhee (McAfee) 
and a girl. Fitz entered Mcl'hee's house armed with rifle sword and 
a case of pistols while the family was at tea ; greeting them as friends. 
Upon their saying they did not recognise him. he said the}' would soon 
be better acquainted as Capt. Fitz came to levy his dues on the cursed 
rebels! He demanded his (McPhee's) watch and buckles, and soon 
ordered them upstairs before him while he should search for money. 
When he had got up stairs he, thinking he was safe, began to arrange 
his shoe buckle on the edge of the bed. when McPhee, signaling to 
Rachel Walker a young woman, sprang upon him and so held him 
that he could not escape. The reward was $1000. which was divided 
between them, and Fitz was hanged. While in Philada. be broke his 
hand cuffs twice in one night. In Chester afterwards he filed oil his 
irons and got out of bis dungeon and would have escaped but for the 
extraordinary vigilance of the jailer. His real name was James Fitz- 
patrick: he was a blacksmith; and he was hanged in Chester 

(P- 330-) 

He kept the whole of Chester County in peril. Many parties of 
armed men were in pursuit of him. He would often encounter them 
in the most daring way. Some he would subdue, then tie to a tree, and 
flog them. 

Mr. Lewis (Watson's friend) has written a very interesting memoir 
of him. A more fearless spirit never lived, and be was generous and 
humane on occasions. He had been an American soldier but having 
received some lashes he deserted with a hatred which lasted till his 
death. On an occasion he appeared in disguise at a public meeting 
where measures were concerted for his capture. A young military 

387 



Capt. volunteered to take him and boasted much. This annoyed Fitz 
who whispered to his accomplice that he would rob him of his watch 
before the company should separate, and that he would do it with an 
iron candlestick then standing on the shelf. He took it down, and in- 
vited the Captain a little from the house saying he would show him 
how he might take Fitz. Then he demanded his watch telling him he 
was Fitz and snapped the spring of the candlestick at him as li it were 
a pistol — then tied his hands behind his back and sent him back to the 
company. 



The following entries are from the Minutes of the Supreme Execu- 
tive Council Phila. Friday Nov. 6. 1778. 

Agreeable to the order of the day Capt M/cFee & Rachel Walker at- 
tended the Council & put in their claim to the reward of $1000 offered 
by this Council on the 13/th of July last to the person or persons who 
should take & secure Jas. Fitzpatrick, Blacksmith a noted Robber, and 
the claimants being heard and their claims considered ; thereupon 
Ordered That the sum of Five Hundred Dollars be paid to Rachel 
Walker and Five Hundred Dollars be paid to Capt Robert McAffee 
being in the whole the sum of One Thousand Dollars offered by this 
Council as a reward for seizing James Fitzpatrick, Blacksmith, the 
Robber lately executed at Chester & an order was drawn on the treas- 
urer for the said sum accocrdingly. — 

Examination of the claims of Capt. M.Afree & Mrs Walker to the 
Reward for taking Capt Fitzpatrick Aug. 23. 1778. 

Rachel Walker. 

She was up stairs; heard screaming; came down; a 
boy told her Capt Fitz was there; Capt Fitz asked her how she did, 
& expressed sorrow at the disturbance ; Fitz told McAffee to prepare 
for a march ; laid down his sword and Pistol & raising his foot to the 
Bedstead in order to put up at heels a pair of Pumps taken from Capt 
McFee; she winked at McFee to seize Fitz; he seemed to decline; she 
winked again and on seeing M/cFee's motion as if to seize Fitz she also 
sprang forward and seized Fitz; but whether before or at the same 
time that M/cFee seized him is not certain but there could scarcely 
have been a moment difference; Fits seized a Pistol which she griped 
in his hand and prevented him from firing it ; that she afterwards took 
the Pistol and stood Centry at the door. — 

Capt. M/cFee says he is not certain at what time the Young 
Woman seized Fitz but that the persons present said he had seized 
him first & had several turns with him on the floor before any persons 
interfered: Since the time has had two Oat stacks burned and that 

388 



the same time destroyed the Tans &ca in the Milk House, "Cut the 
manes and tails of his Horses but not wounded". Withdrew 

Council ordered the Secretary to ask (apt. M/cFee if he had ob- 
tained from his Father and Mother a renunciation of claim to any part 
of the reward for apprehending ("apt. Fitz. 

And the Secretary having proposed to him the said Question Capt 
M/cFee replied "there is no occasion they have made no claim & 
there can be no reason for their renouncing a claim which they have 
not made, no more than that every other person should make a renun- 
ciation. 



dd. p. i»)_\ 

The hope expressed in the postscript of Mrs. Frazer to her husband 
that he would be in New York upon his return home meant that she 
hoped the British troops would he driven out of the city by that time. 



ee. p. 213. 

"Ronzallic Trumble" 8th line from bottom is almost certainly intended 
for "Row gallie 'Trumbull'." That is it was one of the familiar small war 
boats of the Revolution called Row galleys, and this one was named after 
John Trumbull, Deputy Adjutant ( ieneral of the Northern Department. 



ff. p. 238. 

In corroboration of Col. Harrison's judgment in applying to Col. 
Frazer for information as to the condition of the prisoners, 1 have the 
following extract which the Hon. Win. 1 'otter made for me in Rich- 
mond, Va., May 1 ith, 1905, from a letter of Oliver Lowles. Mr. Potter 
endorsed on it 

"Extract from letter dated Middlebrook, Nov. 12. 1800, from Col. 
Oliver Lowles to Dr. Robert Wellford shown me this day by Mr. Phillip 
A. Wellford, grandson of the last named, describing the treatment of the 
American prisoners of War in Phila. during 1777." 

* * * "it became necessary to scrutinize into and possess my- 
"self of the best information I could in my restricted state, obtain of 
"the situation of all the prisoners in the custody of the enemy at Phila- 
delphia, in which I was aided by several, but more materially by Col. P. 
"Frazier of the Pennsylvania Line than any other, he having been a resi- 
dent of the City and well acquainted with the principle characters that re- 
gained therein and who were friendly to the American cause'" etc 

339 



gg- P- 355- 
May 16. 1791 

Bond of Persifor Frazer of Westtown twp to Joshua Vernon of 
Concord twp. for £ 60 gold or silver money. 
John Harper and Jno Vaughn witnesses. 



hh. p. 371. 

Robert Frazer's diary of events at the time of the death of Gen. 
Frazer his father. 

On Tuesday the 24/th of April 1702 at about 1/2 after 10 o Clock at 
at night my father died. 

Wednesday 25 
Procured a Woman to lay him out; for which I paid her 37/6 for 
muslin and other articles procured, and 35/. for her own expenses 
charge, Engaged M/r lsburne of Arch Street to th make the Coffin, 
which he finished about 5 o Clock in the afternoon. Purchased 7.13 
lb Loafsugar and 6 lb Coffee of M/r Tod, for which an account was 
permitted me in the name of D/r Duffield, having sent for it by his 
man. Hired a Coachee and horses to carry the Corps for which I en- 
gaged to pay 45/. Set off from Philadelphia about 6 o Clock in the 
Evening and reached Gibbons' that night about 10 o Clock between 
which place and Darby we met Caleb James Jos Williams and William 
Kennedy and at Gibbons M/r Pross who had come to meet us. 

Thursday 26/th 
Started at 1/2 after o Clock and went by the Way of Bishops Mill, 
arrived at home about 9 o Clock. Left the house at about n o Clock 
and reached the burying ground at about 2 

Friday 27/th 
In the morning called at Gen/1 Moylans, M/r Shippen's and M/r 
James' to procure their interest in favor of an application which I had 
made on Wednesday for a succession to the offices which my father 
held. Found Gen/1 Moylan had gone to Philad/a to make applica- 
tion for himself — that M/r Shippen had gone to Lancaster and that 
M/r James had already recommended M/r Delworth and Col Han- 
num. Wrote to M/r Boyd by Geo Worrall for the same purpose. 
In the afternoon M/r James read the Will to the family: after which 
1 set off for Philad/a met M/r Porter on the Road by whom I was 
informed that Gen/1 Moylan was appointed to the offices of Register 
and Recorder, arrived about 10 oClock — 

Saturday 28/th 
Purchased a pair of Shoe and knee buckles 7/6 — a Stock buckle 11/3 
silk stocks 6/6 — asked M/r Ingersoll's opinion respecting my fathers 

390 



nuncupative Will, which was, that il was void. Purchased a pair of 
black silk Stockings of W/m Wood for which 1 am to pay him 21/ 

Monday 30, th 
Purchased a pair of black silk gloves 7 6- paid the hire of the Coachee 
tor which purpose f or which purpose 1 borrowed money of D/r Dutiield 

45/ 

Tuesday i/st May 
Left town about 11 Clock in the Light Waggon with Col 11 annum 
and Moley Stille — Staid all night at M r Gibbons's — 

Wednesday 
Arrived at home about noon and after dinner went to West Chester 
to deliver the public Papers to Gen/1 Moylan but found him not there 
— took a List of those Writings which were — recorded and signed, 
and compared part of those which were still uncompared on Thurs 
day 3/d— 

Friday 4. 
Paid Margaret Henthorn [2/ — for spinning and took a Receipt — 
Took a List of my fathers books etc — 
April 25. 1792 

Doct/r Duffield 

1 Loaf Sugar 7.13 2/1 — ,, 16 ,, 3 

6 lb Coffee 1/6 — , , 9 , , — 

1 ,. 5.- 3 
Received the above in full 

for Alex/r Tod 
William A Tod 
Funeral Expences M r Tods Bill of Receipt 

Alex Tod April 25/th 1792 



April 30. 1792 

Rec/d of Robert Frazer the sum two pounds five shillings in full 
for the hire of a Waggon and horses to carry the Corps of his fathei 
from Philadelphia to the Country. — 



Michal Strieker 



April 30/th 1792 
£2,, 5 



Endorsed 



Funeral Expences 
Mick/1 Strieker 



591 



Michael Strieker's 
Receipt April 30/th 1792 



April 25. 1792. 

The Estate of Persifor Frazer Escj/r to Eastburn 
& Lesley april 25/th 1792 
april 25/th 1792 

for a mehogany coffin with £ s d 

plates for him self 8 — 10 — o 

Received payment in full 

Eastburn & Lesley 
£ 8 — 10 — o 

Funeral Expences 

Mr Eastburn 

M/r Eastburn acc/ts 

& Receipt 

June 13/th 1792 



April — June 13. 1792 

The Estate of Gen/1 P. Frazer 

To J. H. Gibbons D/r 
April — To advice & attendance with 

D/rs Duffield & Rush or himself Doll/s 8. 

June 13/th Rec/d the am/t in full 

J. H. Gibbons 
D/r Gibbons' Acc/t 
& Receipt 
June 13/th 1792 



1792 The Estate of Perfison Frazer D/r to 

Benj/n Rush 

May To attendance to himself in consultation with D/r 

Duffield & D/r gibbons. £ 3—0—0 

1792 June 25 Rec/d of M/r Rob/t Frazer the above sum in full — 

Benj/n Rush 

September 25. 1792 Ap/1 25/th 1792 

The Estate of M/r Percifer Frazier to Ann Carswell D/r 

To 6 yards muslin att 5/6 £ 1 : 13: o 

To one pair white Gloves o: 3:0 

To one pound Saltpetre to put in Coffin o: 1:6 

To Making a Shroud & Dressing his Corpes. 1 : 15:0 

3: 12: 6 
392 



Ap/1 25/th 

Sep/tr 25 1792 Rec/d the above Account 
in full from M/r Rob t Frazier 

Ann Cai swell 
Endorsed Funeral expences 

Mrs Carsvvell 
M/rs Carswell's 
account & Receipt 
April 25 1792 
£3.. 12,, 6 



General Frazer's Will. 

I Persifor Frazer of West Town Township in the county <>f Chester 
in the State of Pennsyvania being of sound and perfect mind and 
memory blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish 
this my last will and Testament in manner and form — following, that 
is to say — 

First — I do empower order and direct my executors or the survivor 
or survivors of them as soon as conveniently may be, after my de- 
cease to sell at either public or private sale, for the best price or prices 
that can be had, and convey by Deed to the purchaser or purchasers in 
fee simple the following plantations or tracts of Land, to wit — 

The plantation and tract of Land whereon 1 now live, situate in 
West Town Township, in said county of Chester, containing about 
one hundred and twenty seven acres of Land — One other tract situate 
in East Whiteland Township, containing about forty nine acres of 
Land — One other tract of Land, called "Bucks Forrest", situate on a 
branch of Harman's Run in Washington County in the State afore- 
said, containing Three Hundred and four acres and a half and .allow- 
ance of six acres p/r cent for Roads — one other tract of Land called 
"Smyrna", situate on a branch of Harman's Run, in Washington 
County aforesaid, containing Three hundred and fifty three acres and 
three quarters of an acre, and allowance of six acres p r cent for 
Roads — and one other tract for which 1 have a Warrant Right, situate 
on Tomlinson Run in Washington County aforesaid containing Three 
hundred acres of Land be the same more or less. — 

I do give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Worrell Frazer 
two hundred pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania, also the term of 
service of my negro boy Sam, and my mulatto Roy Mark and it is my 
will, if my negro and mulatto boys shall behave themselves soberly 
and be obedient to their mistress, that then Sam. shall be free, two 
years before the expiration of the term mentioned in his Indenture: 
and Mark shall be free two years and a half before the expiration of 
the term mentioned in his Indenture. — Also 1 give unto my said wife 

393 



all the goods and household furniture, which were given to her by her 
Grand Mother Sarah Worrall, and also the Silver or plate which I 
have, and which formerly belonged to the Taylor family. The residue 
of my silver or plate, I give to my daughters, to be distributed 
amongst them at the discretion of my wife — 

I give and bequeath to my son Robert Frazer two hundred pounds, 
lawful money aforesaid, to be paid unto him, when he arrives at the 
age of Twenty one years — Also 1 give to my son Robert my case of 
pistols and hanger, with their furniture And further I do give him, 
all the books, which he has collected from among my books, and laid 
up for his use. — 

I give and devise to my son Persifor Frazer one messuage, saw mill 
and tract of Land eighteen acres of Land be the same more or less 
situate on Chester Creek in Delaware County, bounded by Lands of 
John Edwards, lands late of Abel Green Richard Cheyney and by the 
Road leading from said Cheyney's saw mill, until it intersects the 
line of John Edwards' land, to hold the same land to him my said son 
Persifor Frazer his heirs and assigns. I also give and bequeath to 
my son Persifor four hundred pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania, 
to be paid to him within two years after my decease: Also I give 
him all my wearing apparel, my family Bible, and my fusee, and fur- 
niture. 

I give and bequeath to my daughters Sarah Frazer and Mary Ann 
Frazer Two hundred pounds each, lawful money of Pennsylvania to be 
paid unto each of them within two years after my decease. — ■ 

I give and bequeath to my daughters Mary Frazer, Martha Frazer 
and Eliza Frazer two hundred pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania 
eaih to be paid unto each of them within two years after my decease. 

1 give to my sisters Sarah Hughes and Ann Vernon, one dozen of 
China plates, formerly belonging to their mother, to be equally divided 
between them. 

It is my will, and 1 do order and direct, that the necessary support 
of my sons Robert and Persifor shall be paid out of my estate. 

I Give and devise to my beloved wife Mary Frazer one messuage 
and tract of Land situate in Thornbury Township, in Delaware 
County, containing about one hundred and sixty acres, and bounded 
by the land aforesaid devised to my son Persifor, by lands late of Rich- 
ard Cheyney deceased, lands late of John Hannum deceased and 
others, to hold the same to her my said wife during her natural life, 
subject to the maintenance and education of my three daughters Mary, 
Martha and Eliza. — 

And I do empower and direct that as soon as conveniently can be 
after the m y decease of my said wife, that the Lands devised, to her as 
aforesaid, shall be sold, by my executors or the survivor or survivors 
of them, either by public or by private sale for the best price, that can 

394 



be had for the same, and I do empower my executors, or the survivor 
or survivors of them, to convey the same by deed to the purchaser or 
purchasers in fee simple. And 1 do give and bequeath the money aris- 
ing from the sale of said Tract of iand to be equally divided, amongst 
all my children, or their representath are and share alike: and 

the shares that shall happen to my daughters or their representatives, 
in such maimer and at such time as my beloved wife shall by her last 
will and Testament order and direct. — 

And it is my will thai the gifts aforesaid to my beloved wife, shall 
he in lieu of and full satisfaction of her dower, or right to dower of my 
Estate. — 

Further I do order and direct that my wife shall have the interest 
arising from the Legacies to my three daughters .Mary Martha and 
Eliza untill they shall severally arrive at the age of eighteen years, or 
marriage towards educating and maintaining them. — 

All the rest and residue of my estate of what kind or nature soever 
I give and bequeath the same to be equally divided among all my chil- 
dren, or their representatives, share and share alike. — 

And further it is my will and intention, and desire that till my 
daughters live on the plantation devised to my wife with her. and that 
the services of the aforesaid negro and mulatto Boys, bequeathed to 
my wife, may go toward their mutual support whilst my said daugh- 
ters remain unmarried. — 

And lastly — I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Mary Worrall 
Frazer and my son Robert Frazer, executors of this my last will and 
testament and my son Pcrsifor Frazer executor of this will, with my 
aforesaid executors, when and immediately after, he arrives to the age 
of twenty one years. — Hereby revoking all former wills by me made. — 
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the ninth 
day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and 
ninety two. 

Pers/r Frazer [l. s] 
Signed Sealed published and 
declared by the above named 
Persifor Frazer to be his last 
will and Testament in the 
presence of us 

Caleb James 
Mary James 
Abner Hoopes. 
Died 24/th April A.D. 1792 
Will proved 5/t May A.D. 1792 

Endorsed 

Persifor Frazer 
Philad/a 

395 



West Town May the 5/th 1792 Then personally appeared Caleb 
James and Abnor Hoopes, and on their solemn Affirmations accord- 
ing to law, did Affirm, declare, and say, that they were present and 
did sec and hear Persifor Frazer Esquire, the Testator above named, 
Sign, Seal, publish, pronounce and declare the above and foregoing 
instrument of writing as and for his last Will and Testament and that 
at the doing thereof he was of sound and well disposing Mind and 
Memory to the best of their Understandings — Affirmed Coram 

Ge : Worrall Regis/r 

On Tuesday Evening 24/th April 1702. M/r Frazer by a nuncu- 
pative will made in the presence of D/r Duffield, Isaac Taylor and 
George Dufiield J/r bequeathed his light Waggon and pair of 
bay Horses, together with the side saddles to M/rs Frazer for 
the use of herself and daughters — 

And also his Gold Studs to George Worrall — And desired that 
the same might be taken notice of as his Will Apr/1 24/th 1792 — 

Endorsed 

Copy and letters Testam/y. 
Persifor Frazer Esquires 
Will 



Chester County, Ss. 

By the tenor of these Presents, I Stephen 
Moylan Esq. Register for the Probate of Wills 
and granting Letters of Administration, in and 
for the County of Chester, in the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania, 
DO MAKE KNOWN unto all Men, That on the day of the date 
hereof, at West-Chester, was proved and approved the last Will and 
Testament of Persifor Frazer Esquire late of West Town deceased (a 
true copy whereof is to these presents annexed) having whilst he 
lived, and at the time of his death, divers goods, chattels, rights and 
credits within the said Commonwealth; by reason whereof the appro- 
bation and insinuation in the said last Will and Testament, and the 
committing the administration of all and singular the goods, chattels, 
rights and credits, which were of the said deceased, and also the audit- 
ing the accounts, calculations and reckonings of the said administra- 
tion, and a final dismission from the same, to me are manifestly known 
to belong; and that administration of all and singular the goods, chat- 
tels, rights and credits of the said deceased, any way concerning his 
last Will and Testament, was committed to Mary Worrall Frazer and 

396 



Robert Frazer /the other, to wit, Persifor Frazer being under the age 
of twenty one years/ whole Executors in the said Tes- 
tament named; they having first been duly Affirmed and Sworn well 
and truly to administer the goods, chattels, rights and credits of the 
said deceased, and make a true and perfect Inventory thereof, and ex- 
hibit the same into the Register's < )ffice, at West Chester, on or before 

the fifth— —day of June next, and to render a true and just 

account, calculation and reckoning of the said administration, on or 

before the fifth day of .May l 79Z> or when thereunto law 

fully required. 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have caused the Seal of said Office 

to he hereunto affixed, at West-Chester, the Fifth day of May— 

in the year of our Lord, one thousand Seven hundred and ninety- 
two — 

Stephen Moylan Reg/r 



Received O 1 -' 1 January 22/nd 1793 of Mary Worrall Frazer one of the 

executors of the last Will of my deceased Brother Persifor Frazer six 
china plates bequeathed to me in his Will 

Sarah Huese 



Received March 22 1793 of Mary Worrall Frazer one of the execu- 
tors of the last will of my deceased brother Pers/r Frazer, six China 
plates bequeathed to me by his Will 

Ann Vernon 



The silver snuff box. which i- interesting as specimen of the silver- 
smith's work in Philadelphia in the latter part of the XVIII/th Cen- 
turv, was owned by Sarah Frazer, daughter of General Frazer, and 
hears her initials. Whether or not she ever made of it the use for 
which it was designed is not known. 

It came into the writer's possession through Samuel Frazer Hewes, 
a grand nephew of Gen. Frazer who, as a young hoy. was a favorite of 
his second cousin the owner, who gave it to him with the remark thai he 
had only to add the letter "II" to the initials mi the lid to make them ap- 
plicable to himself. 

It weighs a little less than .:h ounces and is represented in its actual 
size in the illustration. 

397 



Notes of families connected with Persifor Frazer's Descendants, 
from various papers in the possession of Dr. I. W. Riley. 

The authors of these notes are not known but the notes were evidently 
made very long ago, as Wary James, living in 1708, is said to have a 
daughter now surviving. 

About the year 170S Thomas and Elizabeth Goodwin arrived in 
Pennsylvania from North Wales with their four Children, to wit. Mary 
their eldest Daughter afterwards Mary James who it is believed had one 
Daughter, namely Elizabeth Batten, living in Redstone settlement near 
the Ohio River — Their second Daughter Elizabeth afterwards Eliza 
Thomas had one Son James Thomas living in York County Pennsyl- 
vania. Their Daughter Sarah Goodwin (afterwards Worrell) Deceased 
in Cork in Ireland, had one son Thomas Worrall in Middletown Dela- 
ware County Pennsylvania. Their Son Thomas Goodwin had three 
Children, to wit: Richard Goodwin, Jane Massey a Widow, and Isaac 
Goodwin, all formerly living in Chester County and near Goshen— 



30th of 9 mo 1696 At a meeting at John Edggs Daniel Hoops & Jean 
Worralow received permission to be married, — 

25th of 2nd mo 1709 Joseph Baker & Mary Worralow recivd permis- 
sion to marry — 

1713 Ann Worralow's name appears as oversears of Middletown Meet- 
ing 

1714 x John Worrell & Sarah Goodwin were marred at Middletown 
Meeting Peter Yarnell & Alice Worralow were marred in 171 5 do 

1726 Jean Worralow married a Whip o (sic) not by meeting, [Possi- 
bly Whips. Ed.] 

1 73 1 John Salkeld marred Eliza Worrell 
1 73 1 John Worrell marred Priscilla Lewis 
1743 Sarah Worrell Marrid Taylor 

1764 Mary Worralow marrid James Reed 

1765 Mary Worrell mared Robert Thompson 
1765 Eliza Worrell marred Abram Hoops 

1753 Sarah Worrell wife of John went to England on a religious visit 
and died while there 

This Sarah Worrell if born Sarah Goodwin was the grandmother of Mary Wor- 
rall Frazer, and according to notes in the Editor's possession died in Cork 1755. 

398 



Extracts from an unpublished memoir of Gen. Frazer, printed here 
by permission of its author, Mr. Joseph S. Harris. 

"The provincial authorities (at the close of 1775) were very active in 
pushing forward military organizations as General Washington kept 
urging Congress to fill his army then besieging Boston with fri h 
men to take the place of such of his troops as were nearing the end 
of their period of enlistment. December 9, 1775. Congress directed 
that four battalions should be raised in Pennsylvania, and December 
15, asked the Committee of Safety to recommend proper persons as 
field officers. January 5. 1770, the Committee having previously 
recommended Antony Wayne as Colonel, Francis Johnston as Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel, and Nicholas Hausecker, of Lancaster County, as 
Major of the Fourth Battalion, which recommendations were prob- 
ably confirmed by Congress, proceeded to appoint eight Captains foi 
the several companies, of which Persifor Frazer was named first. On 
the list of 31 Captains appointed at that time, he stood 8th. lie was 
in April assigned to the command of the 1st company of the 4th Regi- 
ment, liis company had 86 privates on the roll, and numbered in all 
104 persons." 

"The battalion rendezvoused at Chester, Delaware County, on Feb- 
ruary 9, and on February 17, C< il. \\ a\ ne rep >rtecl thai lie had in camp 
five hundred and sixty men and officers, and that the officers who were 
absent on recruiting service had secure. I support, as he believed, to 
make the battalion complete. Three companies reported at Mew 
York under Major Hausecker on January 28. Col. Wayne took com- 
mand of the regiment April -'(>. and despatched Major Hausecker to 
Philadelphia to bring up the remaining live companies of which Cap- 
tain Frazer's was one. lie went t'> Long Island in May. 1770. and 
was transferred with his command to General Gates' army of the 
North in July, before the battle of Long Island, which occurred Aug- 
ust 27, as wc find letters addressed to him "near Albany" as early as 
August 6. He remained in this vicinity till the latter part of Novem- 
ber, taking an active part in the campaign. He was appointed Major 
by General Gates at Ticonderoga, September 1. 1770. vice Hausecker 
promoted. This appointment was made subject to the approval of 
Congress, as the regimenl was in the Continental sevrice. His com- 
mission as Major is dated October 1 or 3, 1776. Tn October, 1770, 
the Pennsylvania Battalions near New York were notified that two 
of them would be taken into the Continental service i" serve till Jan- 
uary 1, 1778, unless sooner discharged. Persifor Frazer doubtless en- 
listed under this call, though he was not at New York, but at Sarati 
[Ticonderoga. P. F.] "at that time." * * * 

"He enclosed a very good topographical military sketch showing the 

399 



fortifications at that point, and describes what has been done to 
make them strong. - ' [in a letter dated Ticonderoga, July 31st, 1776. P. F.] 

"He had a sharp spell of illness in August, but had quite recovered 
by the end of September. His wife tells him in October — "No per- 
son can be in greater esteem than you are, both with Whig and Tory. 
Your letters are often called for to decide disputes." " 

"He was on recruiting service during the winter of 1776-7, and Feb- 
ruary 6, 1777, $1,000 was appropriated for that service and put in his 
hands." 

"He was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the Fifth Pennsylvania 
Battalion [Regiment. P. F.] March 12, 1777, which was organized 
with Francis Johnston as Colonel. This appointment was not con- 
firmed till November 12, 1777, when Congress, sitting at York, Penn- 
sylvania, authorized it to date from October 1, 1776. He was with 
the army in New Jersey during the summer of 1777. He was at 
Morristown, New Jersey, as late as the beginning of July, but the con- 
centration of troops for the defense of Philadelphia against an attack 
by General Howe brought him back to Pennsylvania about the end 
in August." 

"In the movements preliminary to the battle of Brandywine, the en- 
tire baggage belonging to the officers of Wayne's division was sent 
back from the advanced position held by the Americans on the South 
side of the Brandywine, and stored at Colonel Frazer's house, where 
it was taken September." 

"The Brandywine battle consisted of two separate engagements, the 
first one about Birmingham meeting house, where Lord Cornwallis 
defeated Generals Stirling and Sullivan, and the other near Chadds 
Ford on the Brandywine, where General Knyphausen defeated Gen- 
eral Wayne. The former conflict was about five miles west of Col. 
Frazer's house, and the latter, in which he was an actor, was about 
the same distance southwest of his home. The firing which was heard 
by his daughter Sarah Frazer's school teacher on the morning of Sep- 
tember 11, and by Mrs. Frazer herself, must have been that between 
Knyphausen, who was making a strong feint at Chadds Ford to oc- 
cupy the Americans and direct their attention from the movement of 
the main body of the army under Cornwallis. * * * He seems to 
have been on special duty and not acting with his regiment." 

"The American army after the defeat, retreated on Chester, twelve 
miles distant, which they reached that night. The most considerable 
portions of General Howe's army remained for five days at Dilworth- 
town, about two miles northeast of Chadds Ford, his own headquar- 
ters remaining there. This was only about four miles from Col. 
Frazer's house, and it is doubtless from this position that the body of 
British troops was detached which plundered Colonel Frazer's house 
on Saturday, September 13." 

400 



"He had I icon ordered to observe the movements of the enemy, and left 
home early that morning to go to the Blue Ball tavern on the Chester 
road for that purpose." 

"We can trace Colonel Frazer's movements for several days about 
this time by his wife's narrative of the plundering of their home, and 
by his own statements. She says that he staid on the field of battle 
till evening, and then moved, probably with the rear guard, to the 
Seven Stars tavern, now the hamlet known as Village Green, about 
nine miles East of Chadds Ford, and four miles Northwest of Chester, 
to which point the American army had retreated, l.ate that night, 
having apparently been selected as familiar with the ground, he re- 
turned to his home, about live miles from Village Green. The next 
clay a party of American Riflemen, who were also apparently on duty 
as a corps of observation, called at his house and advised him to keep 
away from his home, as the baggage of ten regiments was stored 
there, of which fact some of his Tory neighbors would probably in- 
form the British, who would come to -ei/e it. and might take him 
prisoner. He made light of the danger, and started the next mom 
ing early to the Blue Hall tavern on the Chester road, about half way 
between his house <ni<! Village Green* Major John Harper, innkeeper of 
Turk's Head, and his and Harper's brother in law, Jacob Vernon, 
joining him there. While absent on this duty, his house was plun- 
dered, and the baggage of the officers of his division was taken, al 
though the arms and ammunition which had been there, and which 
were the chief object of the British raid, had been removed some time 
before." 

"In spite of the defeat of the American Army at the Brandywiue. 
General Washington thought it necessary to risk another battle for 
the defence of Philadelphia, then the chief city of the young republic, 
and ordinarily the -cat of Government. lie had some hope of a fav- 
orable result, as he found the spirit of the army unimpaired by their 
late disaster, lie. therefore, after retreating on Chester, moved 
around by Philadelphia and Germantown, and marched westward up 
the Lancaster road, reaching the White Horse tavern on the 15th of 
September, his army stretching along that road from the White Horse 
tavern to a point near the Admiral Warren tavern." 

"As soon as this movement became known to General Howe he 
moved that portion of his army under the command of Lord Corn- 
wallis, which had been halted at Village Green, for a few days, to the 
northward to become the right wing of Ins army, the remainder of the 
army which had been posted at Dilworthtown, moving also northward 
on parallel lines to form the left wing." 

"Cornwallis' movement which was commenced on the morning of 

♦Italics by the Editor. 

401 



Tuesday, September 16, caught Colonel Frazer, Major Harper and 
Jacob Vernon, who were again out on reconnoissance at the Blue 
Ball. Vernon, who was a civilian, escaped, but the two officers were 
made prisoners, and forced to fall in with the northward march of 
their captors. The two armies met that day on the high ground just 
south of the summit of the .South Valley hill, about a mile south of 
Frazer station on the Pennsylvania Railroad. A skirmish opened the 
battle, but had not proceeded far when a heavy rain came up and so 
wetted the insufficiently protected ammunition of the Americans that 
they withdrew to their original position near the White Horse tavern 
in East Whiteland township, and the next day moved northward by 
way of Yellow Springs, crossing a few days later the Schuylkill river 
about five miles above Phoenixville. It was the rain alone which pre- 
vented a general engagement which could hardly have failed to result 
in great disaster to the American cause. Our army was inferior in 
numbers, in equipment, in discipline, and in morale, having just 
suffered defeat at Brandywine, so that it was of great value to the 
liberties of America that the battle was not fairly joined." 

"Just after the American army in retreat crossed the Schuylkill at 
Swedes Ford, the British who were in pursuit reached the ford, but 
the rains of several days had by that time so swollen the river that 
they could not ford it. The family it is said always spoke of this as a 
special interposition of Providence for the rescue of the American 
army, as a battle in their then condition would have been certain 
destruction. It was also said that General Washington took a similar 
view." 

"While the tradition may have been correct concerning some de- 
tached body of troops, it is not true as to the main army, with which 
General Washington took no such risk, but crossed some twenty miles 
further up stream." 

"The British army remained during the storm, which lasted several 
days, encamped on the South Valley hill, a portion of them on fields 
which afterward belonged to the farm of Joseph Smith, my grand- 
father, who married Persifor Frazer's daughter Mary. The British 
had not found since they had been in America so rich a country as the 
one they were then in, and they plundered it without mercy. My 
great-grandfather, Thomas Harris, whose farm lay a mile or two to 
the northward, was one of the sufferers by these depredations, and, 
with other citizens, made claim in 1782 for remuneration. The party 
who captured Frazer and Harper was the advance guard of a consid- 
erable body of British troops, commanded by General Grant. The 
prisoners were deprived of their horses and their sword, and were 
obliged to tramp along on foot. General Grant riding near Col. 
Frazer, entered into conversation with him, and asked him his name. 
He replied — "Persifor Frazer," "That is a Scotch name", said Grant, 

402 



"and should not belong to a rebel." "England lias called other men 
rebels who have resisted her Government besides those who resist it 
in America", retorted Frazer. "For that answer yon shall have your 
horse", said General Grant, whose family had taken the Pretenders 
part in the rising of 1745 in Scotland; and when the horse was 
brought, he restored Frazer's sword also." 

"In the course of their conversation they discovered that they were 
cousins — General Grant's mother, whose name was Frazer, being a 
cousin of John Frazer XV 5. This conversation took place as they 
were passing the Goshen Friends meeting house on the Chester road 
in East Goshen township, and just before they joined the main body of 
the British army." 

"Thanks probably to General Grant's interest in him, Col. Frazer 
says that while they remained under the guard of the Fourth and 
Sixty-fourth regiments Ik- and Major Harper were well treated, hut 
on the third day after their capture on the march of the troops from 
the White Horse, familiar ground to Frazer, as it was here that he 
had kept store, perhaps, fifteen years before, they were turned over 
to the Provost Guard and remained in their custody till they reached 
Germantown, about a week after their capture." 

"The Commander of the Provost Guard was Major Proctor, whose 
brutality Col. Frazer and many other Americans had frequent oppor- 
tunities to experience afterward." 

"The narrative by himself of Col. Frazer's capture given elsewhere 
which ends abruptly and was probably written as justification for his 
escape from prison. Whether the statement was never finished, or 
whether this is an imperfect draft of it. is not known, lie held and 
maintained successfully before a Court of Inquiry* that the British ad- 
ministration in confining in a jail officers who should not have been 
subjected to such an indignity, and in depriving them of privileges 
to which they were entitled, had, itself, violated the terms of the 
parole, and had thereby absolved the imprisoned officers from its ob- 
ligations." 

"He had addressed a communication, relative to the sufferings of the 
prisoners in Philadelphia, and to the subject of exchanges, to General 
Washington on the 9th of October, which, with some of the mouldy 
bread served to the soldiers, was carried by his wife to headquarters 
at White Marsh, dieting a reply from Washington on the 4th of No- 
vember, in which he speaks of the efforts he is making to bring about 
exchanges on a proper basis, and deplores the distress of the prisoners. 
His granddaughter E. W. Smith, says that during the winter of 

♦The editor cannot find evidence of this court <>i inquiry though it is inherently 
likely. The judgment of the Commander-in-Chief is sufficiently evident by his as- 
signing Col Frazer immediately to duty with his rank, P- F. 

403 



1 777~&> J aH fever broke out among the American prisoners, and the 
prisoners were taken out of the jail and lodged in different parts of 
the City. Col. Frazer, Major Harper and Col. Hannum, who was a 
neighbor, and a friend of the other two, a civilian, a zealous whig, a 
relative of Squire Cheyney who lived in West Bradford township, 
where the town of Marshallton now is, were lodged at the fWhite Swan 
tavern on Third street above Market street. Notwithstanding the 
promises of liberty within City limits in return for their paroles, the 
doors of their sitting room and bed rooms were kept locked, their win- 
dows were barred, and a guard was placed over them. They considered 
these restrictions indefensible by military law, and felt themselves, 
therefore, released from their parole, and at liberty to escape if they 
could. On St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1778, when the Guard, who 
were Irishmen, got patriotically drunk, they escaped from their rooms 
and clambering over a stone wall in the rear of the house went, some, 
to the house of a Mr. Frazer,* who was a distant relative of Col. Frazer, 
living in Front street near Pine street, and others to the house of Mr. 
Blackstone, who lived in the same neighborhood." 

"Vigorous efforts were made to find the escaped prisoners; all the 
avenues leading from the City were closely watched, and many of the 
houses searched. On one occasion when some of the party were hid- 
den in a deep closet behind shelves, on which china was so arranged 
as to conceal them, the house was entered and the closet searched 
without discovering the fugitives." 

"Their escape was aided by the indiscretion of some young British 
officers, who, calling on a lady of their acquaintance immediately 
after the jail delivery, told them of it, which news they received with 
apparent surprise. The officers said that while the prisoners had dis- 
appeared for the moment they could not get out of the City, and pro- 
ceeded to speak of the plans for their recapture. Being encouraged, 
they talked freely, and as the escaped prisoners knew what traps were 
set for them, they took good care not to spring them." 

"They remained in the City several days till the ardor of the chase 
had somewhat abated, when Mr. Blackstone procured a boat on which 
they crossed the Delaware, passing through the British fleet, and 
landed in New Jersey, and in a short time rejoined the army." 

tWm Serrett, Asst Comimissary of prisoners of the British Army, calls this the 
"Swan tavern." and W. H. Ferguson the "Golden Swan'' in his affidavit. Col Frazer 
in his statement calls it the "Golden Swan." (See pp. 177 & 178 which have been 
newly verified by an inspection of the original papers. P. F. 

*The editor cannot ascertain who this Mr. Frazer was. Probably a relation of 
the "Mr Frazer" whom the original Persifor in the letter to his son John of Jan 3, 
1737. prays God may reward for his kindness to the original immigrant. (See Vol. I. 

P. 31.) 

404 



"The British (at first) thought the officers had broken their parole, 
and General Howe demanded their return from General Washing- 
ton, but on investigation of the circumstances, the court of inquiry - ) 1 
held that they were justified, and the demand was withdrawn." 

"The prisoners, while doubtless suffering many inconveniences, some 
privations and some annoyances, do not seem, on the whole, to have 
been badly treated. Mrs. Frazer having credentials from General 
Washington was allowed several times to see her husband, and .Mis. 
Gibbons, who was a sister to Col. llannum. and a neighbor of Mrs. 
Frazer, sometimes accompanied her. They were allowed, sometimes, 
to supply them and their friends with food and other necessaries, and 
though those, at times, failed to reach their proper destination, they 
did much to ameliorate their condition." 

"He was at Valley Forge for a time, his name being signed June 4, 
1778, as Lieutenant-Colonel. Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, to an 
address from the officers to the Supreme Executive Council on the 
want of clothing for their troops." 

"His command took part in the operations in New Jersey and New 
York in the summer of 1778, and he is said to have commanded his 
regiment at the battle of Monmouth Court House, June 28, 1778, Col. 
Johnston being absent from some cause." 

"There had been much dissatisfaction in the army on account of the 
action of Congress in promoting junior officers over the heads of 
those who had suffered imprisonment, who held that their sacrifices 
entitled them to continue to hold their relative ranks. It was, per- 
haps, in recognition of this claim, that Congress had confirmed Col- 
onel Frazer as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fifth Pennsylvania Regi- 
ment, but for some reason he was not wholly satisfied. He and his 
wife had made many pecuniary sacrifices for the army, had sold a con- 
siderable part of their property to aid it, and his affairs had fallen into 
some disorder at home, the iron works were not running satisfactorily, 
and his wife, whose health had not recovered from the trials and exer- 
tions of the fall and winter of 1777, (which were responsible for the 
loss of the child who was born in May, 1778, and who died before it 
reached the age of two months), and whose brave spirit was temporarily 
broken, was greatly mourning his absence. At this time, the ap- 
pointment of his junior, Walter Stewart to the command of the 
Regiment, seems to have made his cup overflow, and he resigned from 
the service on the 9th of October, probably about the time he received 
the letter from his wife which has been quoted." 

"A number of officers who felt that Congress was not acting to them 
in good faith, or in accordance with the promises made to them, left 
the service about this time." 



tSee a preceding note. 

405 



"After his resignation from the army, Col. Frazer returned to his 
farm at Thornbury, and took up again the work which had suffered 
from the absence of the master's hand for two years." 

"He was not allowed, however, to lay down his army duties. In the 
summer of 1779, from January 8 till October 22, 1779, he was Com- 
missary General accompanying General James Sullivan in his cam- 
paign against the Seneca Indians in Western New York." [Dep. Com. 
Gen. This is not certain. See discussion in preface. P. F.] 

"April 1, 1780, he was elected by the General Assembly Commis- 
sioner of Purchases for Chester County, and on April 5, 1780, he was 
appointed by Quartermaster General Nathaniel Greene as his deputy, 
but on April 29 he declined to serve further in that capacity, thinking 
the pay inadequate and the service unattractive." 

"March 22, 1781, he was appointed County Treasurer, but was not 
reappointed the next year, probably, because he had then been elected 
to the Legislature." 

"He was elected to represent Chester County in the Pennsylvania 
General Assembly, October 15 1781, and October 12, 1782, and 
again October 21, 1784. At this time, and until the adoption of a new 
constitution in 1790, the Legislature consisted of but one House." 

"May 25, 1782, he was elected Brigadier General of Pennsylvania 
Militia, to rank second among the Brigadiers." 

"January, 1783, he was on a committee of the Assembly to meet 
President Dickinson, and was appointed January 21 in the same month 
on a committee to make representation to Congress about certain 
seizures of property. Persifor Frazer, John Ilannum and Joseph 
Gardner reported to Congress that great abuses had been attempted 
in smuggling British goods from the ship Amazon under cover of a 
pass to bring in clothing for British and German prisoners, and Con- 
gress resolved, January 24, to have the goods which had not been de- 
livered to the prisoners examined." 

"In an account which was made up June 1, 1784, the Comptroller 
General of the State of Pennsylvania admits that it is indebted to 
Persifor Frazer, Lieutenant-Colonel Fifth Regiment in a sum which, 
with interest, amounted to £ 240 5s. 8d. and March 15, 1786, the same 
authority reports that there is a balance due him as Treasurer amount- 
ing, with interest, to f 364 16s. 5d." 

"In 1785 Colonels Bayard, Smith and Frazer were appointed by the 
Supreme Executive Council, under a resolution of the General As- 
sembly of April 8, 1785, Commissioners to Wyoming where serious 
disturbances had been caused by the conflicting claims to jurisdiction 
made by the States of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, each claiming it 
as a part of its own territory." 

"They left Philadelphia going by way of Bethlehem, and following 
probably what is now the Wilkesbarre and Easton turnpike, which for 

406 




Silver snuff box (of actual size) belonging to Sarali Frazer, daughter 
of General Frazer. Probably made bj .1 Philadelphia silversmith in the 
latter part of the XYIIIth century. 



many years was the principal avenue of approach to Wyoming Valley 
from the southward, avoiding the deep defile of the Lehigh and cross- 
ing the streams near their heads." 

"They started on April 23rd, but were delayed by high water in the 
streams, and in awaiting the return oi an expressman win mi they bad 
sent from Stroudsburg into the enemy's country. Notwithstanding 
they waited till the waters bad fallen. Col. Frazer's horse stumbled at 
the crossing of the Lehigh, and threw him into the stream from which 
he emerged with a wetting and the loss of his hat. They reached 
Wyoming May 3rd. They bad a conference with Colonel Butler and 
Mr. Meade, who represented the Connecticut claimants, but it does 
not appear from Col, Frazer's diary what progress they made toward 
a settlement." 

"After remaining there about a week they returned down the Sus- 
quehanna River, reaching home May 17th." 

"Col. Frazer was treasurer of the party whose expenses amounted to 
£36 10s. besides L 1S 17s. which Colonel Bayard spent mostly for the 
purchase of a horse. They seem to have advanced the money them- 
selves, and May 18, 1785, the Comptroller General having approved 
their accounts, an order was drawn on the Treasurer for C ?y to ic 
imburse them." 

"April 7, 1786, the General Assembly elected I'ersifor Frazer Regis- 
ter of Wills and Recorder of Deeds for the County of Chester, to 
which offices he was reappointed September 4, 1790. He held these 
offices till his death." 

"lie was appointed by the Supreme Executive Council June 16, 1786, 
a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the term of seven years, 
which term he did not live to complete." 

"lie was also Prothonotary of Chester County, probably from 1786 
till the division of the County in [789, that office being frequently held 
by the same person who held the offices of Register and Recorder." 

"It was noted that in 1784 the State acknowledged its indebtedness 
to Col. Frazer in the sum of £ 240 5s. 8d. for services during the Revo- 
lution. As the State was rich in lands but poor in money it prop 
to discharge such indebtedness a- this by permitting its creditors to 
take up unseated lands." 

"In September — October 1785 he made a journey to Frankstown on 
the Little Juniata on this business, and probably took up lands there 
which his granddaughter, Anna Smith (XVIII), had p in of half 

a century later." [lie owned lands there before the war. See his early 
papers. P. F.] 

"In 1787 he appears as the owner of several tracts of land, each con- 
taining about 400 acres, on the waters of Harman's River in Wash- 
ington County. These, or some of them, were the lands which his 
granddaughter Sarah Smith (XVIII) lived on near Kittaning." 

407 



"It is said that certain of these lands were forfeited as so many lands 
located on Revolutionary warrants were, his son allowing them to be 
sold for taxes, but the lands which went to these two granddaughters 
were rescued by Jonathan Smith, who was their father, and Persifor 
Frazer'.s son-in-law, the husband of his daughter Mary Anne ( XVII 3. )" 

"In 1782 he was possessed of 49 1/2 acres of land in East Whiteland 
township in the northwest angle formed by the roads leading to Lan- 
caster (the old Colonial road) and to Yellow Springs. This tract 
Robert Frazer (XVII 2) who was his father's executor, sold to Joseph 
Smith who had married Robert's sister Mary (XVII 6.)" 

"In 1789, upon the division of Chester County. Col. Frazer's home 
in Thornbury township being left in Delaware County, he removed 
to Westtown to a farm which he purchased there from Josiah Haines, 
that he might remain in Chester County, as he wished to continue to 
hold his offices of Justice and Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds." 

"Later, the family tradition states, that he removed to Goshen town- 
ship, near Sugartown. where his last years were spent." 

"He followed a fashion of the time among military men— George 
Washington being the most illustrious example — in that he became a 
member of the Society of Free Masons. There is among his papers a 
call to a meeting at Norristown February 9, 1789." 

"Persifor Frazer was one of the twelve charter members to whom, 
December 6, 1790, the Grand Lodge granted a charter to hold a lodge 
at the sign of the "White Horse", in East Whiteland, or at any place 
within five miles of it". It was Lodge No. 50, the first Lodge char- 
tered in Chester County." 

"Probably the last official paper in the collection which remains is a 
draft of a communication which he addressed to some person in 
authority, probably Governor Mifflin, containing a number of sugges- 
tions as to changes desirable in the laws relating to the registering of 
wills, and recording of deeds." 

"It is of interest as it refers to the bad state of his health which for a 
considerable time had interfered with the discharge of the duties of 
his offices. It has no date nor address, and there is nothing to show 
that it was ever completed and sent." [It is like most of his letters to 
others, a rough draft kept for file, and very probably was sent to its destination. 
P. R] 

"Persifor Frazer had in his early life been a man of great endurance, 
though the record shows that he contracted ague while at Deep Creek 
Furnace. After his Revolutionary service, say from the age of forty 
years, he had, occasionally, attacks of sickness, of whose nature there 
is no record. No permanent menace to his health was known to exist 
till after May 13, 1788, when his youngest child Elizabeth, a baby of 
two years old, was drowned by falling into a well 6 feet deep, whose 

408 



water flowed over the top. Her father was several miles from home 
when word of the accident was brought to him. The day was a hot 
one. He made great haste to return, and the exertion, his grief at 
her loss, and self-reproach at not having better secured the well 
brought on a heart attack from which he never fully recovered." 

"In April, 1792, he had occasion to go South — one account says to 
the Virginia Springs for his health, which, perhaps, is the correct ac- 
count, though another account says to Deep Creek Furnace on busi- 
ness. His baggage was packed for the journey, as he intended to start 
the next day, when Sally Mattson, a cousin of his wife, a "public 
Friend," or Quaker preacher, visited the house for the purpose of dis- 
suading him from the journey. She read to him the thirty-first chap- 
ter of the book of Isaiah, which begins — "Woe to them that go down 
to Egypt for help", and warned him that the journey would not be lor 
his health, would be attended with great inconvenience and privation 
of many comforts, and that it was deeply impressed on her mind that 
he should not go." 

"He and his wife were accustomed to think highly of "Cousin Sally's" 
counsel, and spiritual discernment and the journey was given up." 

"Soon after Col. Frazer went to Philadelphia to consult Dr. Duffield, 
who was a relative, and died there within a few days." 

"Whether his death had any effect on Sally Mattson is not known, 
but she soon after fell into a melancholy, and terminated her own life 
by cutting her throat." 

"In Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser, published in Philadelphia, 
appeared a notice of his career, which was written by Dr. Benjamin 
Rush." * * * 



409 



GENEALOGICAL TABLES 

reprinted with some additions and emendations from pages 73, 74, 75, 
80, 85 and 88, Vol. I of these memoirs. 

Frazer Family. 
Generation XIV. 



In- 
dex 
No. 


Name 


Date 

of 
Birth 


Date 
of 

Marriage 


Name of 
Spouse 


Date 

of 
Death 


Residence and Remarks 


1 


Persitor Frazer 


about 
1667 


about 
1700 


Margaret 

Clayton or 

Cailton 


about 
1740 


Tonvhannigin, County 
Monaghan, Ireland. 



Generation XV. 
The children of Fersifor Frazer XIV- 1 and Margaret Carlton. 



I 


fclizabeth 
Frazer 


.about 
1 701 


about 
1718 


Alexander 
Smith 


After 
1766 


Clanickny, County 
Monaghan, Ireland. 




Persifor (?) 


about 


— 




bet. 


See footnote. 










1703 

(?) 






1737 
and 

1755? 






Rebecca 


about 


unmarri'd 




? 




3 










1705 








■ 


4 


a daughter 


about 
1707 


? 


— Speer 


? 


Chester, now Delaware 
Co., Pa. 


5 
6 
7 


John 

Margaret 

Sarah 


Aug. 

8 

1709 

about 

1711 

about 
1712 


June 16 
1735 

about 
1729 

about 
'735 


Mary Smith 
John Geiger 
John Price 


Sep. 7 
1765 

? 


Newtown, Del. Co., Pa. 

County Monaghan, 

Ireland. 

Later in America (?) 
County Monaghan, 

Ireland. 



* There is some doubt about the existence of this son though it seems natural that 
the original Persifor should give his own name to his first son. 



410 









Smith Family. 
Generation XIV. 








Ill 

dex 
No. 


Name 


1) ite 
of 

Birth 


Date 

.it 
Marriage 

? 


Name 

of 
Spouse 

Mary 
1 louglass 


Date 

of 
Death 

1756 


Residence 


and Remarks 


i 


Kobert Smith 


Sept. 

5, 

1678 


near ( il 

Countv 
Ireland. 


isslough, 
Monaghan, 



Generation XV. 
The children of Robert Smith and Maw Douglass. 





Andrew 


? 


Not 
Married 




County Monaghan, 
Ireland. 






2 


Jane 


? 


•1744 


John Armstrong 


1767 County Monaghan, 
Ireland- 
Had one son Andrew. 


1 


Elizabeth 


? 


*I744 


John 
Greacen 


after Clanickney, Tynan. 
1784 Had one son Kobert. 


4 


Eleanor 
(called also 
Ellen) 


? 


? 


John 
Morison 


1783 Co. Monaghan, 
Ireland. 
Had issue. 


5 


Mary 


Feb. 

10 
'7'5 


June 16 
1/35 


John 
Frazer 


July 5 Pennsylvania. 
1764 Had issue. 


6 


Margaret 


? 


? 


Alen 
Cooke 


11780 Had no issue. 


7 


Sarah 

(called also 
Salle) 


? 


? 


William 
Crook- 
shanks 

after- 
wards 
Judge 


•1783 County Monaghan, 
Ireland. 
Had one son William. 


8 


Martha 


? 


? 


Andrew 
Wilson 


? Co. Monaghan, 

Ireland. Had no issue 



* Anthony Blackburn's brief dated 1784, (mentioned page 313). Year specified. 

I >• " " " " " "several years ago." 

411 



/^ 



Frazer Family. 

Generation XVI. 

The children of John Frazer XV-5 and Mary Smith XV-5. 



In- 
dex 
No. 



10 



Name 



Persifor 

Robert 

John 

John (2d) 

Mary 

Elizabeth 

Thomas 

Sarah 

Mary 
Anne 



Date 

of 
Birth 


Date 

of 

Marriage 


Aug. 

9 
1736 


Oct. 2 
1766 


July 

21 

■ 758 


— 


Oct. 

9 

1740 


— 


July 

3' 

1742 




Oct. 

4 

1744 


— 


July 

9 

1747 




Sep. 

23 

1748 


~~ 


Oct. 

18 

1750 


about 
1772 

about 
1790 


May 

3° 

1753 




Sep. 

4 

1755 


Oct. 2 (?) 
1776 



Name 

of 
Spouse 



Mary W01r.1l 
Taylor 



I Jacob 
Vernon 
II Samuel 
Hewes 



Joshua 
Vernon 



Date 
of 

Death 

Apr. 

24 

1792 

1763 



Aug. 

3° 

1741 

Sep. 7 
1742 



July 
1746 

Oct. 9 

1747 



Dec. 

12 

1749 

June 

17 

1825 

Oct. 

8 

1754 

Aug. 

18 

1825 



Residence and Remarks 

Pennsylvania 



Aston township, Ches- 
ter, now Del., Co., Pa. 



412 



Frazei Family. 

Generation XVII. 
ie children of Persifor Frazer iWI-i i and Mary VVorrall 
Taylor (XVI-l). 







Date 


Date 


Name 


Date 








of 


of 


of 


of 






Name 


Birth 


Marriage 


Spouse 


heath 


Residence and Remarks 




Sarah 


Jan. 


never 




Mar. 




I 










1 1 


married 




3 








17") 






1841 




2 


Robert 


Aug. 


May 5 


Mary Ball 


1 in 


Mary B. Jit J 






?" 


1798 


b. Apl. 23, 1778 


2" 


June 21, 1800 






• 77" 


Oct. 15 
1803 

Feb. 1 1 
1818 


Elizab. 

Fries 
b. June [6, 1778 
Alice 
Yarnall 
b. Aug. 28, 1778 


1821 


Eliz. F. JieJ - 
June 19, 1815 

Alice Y. died— 
March 23, 1830 


} 


Mary Ann 


Feb. 


Oa. 16 


Jon"' 


Feb. 








'7 


1794 


Smith 


"9 








'774 






1845 






Persifor 


Feb. 


never 




Sept. 




4 










26 


married 




29 








1776 






1798 






Martha 


May 


•• 




July 




5 










22 






21) 








1778 






1778 




6 


Mary 


Jan. 

.4 

1780 


Feb. 27 

l8>«> 


Jos. Smith 


May 
23 
1862 






John 


1 >!\ . 


never 




Aug. 




7 










27 


married 




3 








I78l 






1783 




8 


Martha 


1 let. 

14 

178} 


Oct. 15 

1818 


VV" Morris 


Jan. 
27 
1867 






Elizabeth 


May 


— 




May 




9 










17 






13 








1786 






1788 




IO 


Elizabeth 


Dec. 

"7 


Jan 9 
1812 


Henry Myers 


Apl. 
25 








1788 






1857 





413 



Frazer Family. 
Generation XVIII. 

The children of Robert Frazer XVII-2 

By his first wife Mary Ball he had no children. 

By his second wife Elizabeth Fries he had: 





Name 


Date 
of 

Birth 


Date 

of 

Marriage 


Name 

of 
Spouse 


Date 

of 

Death 

Mch. 
14 

1805 


Residence and Remarks 


I 


John Persifor 


Dec. 

20 
1804 


never 
married 










Jacob Taylor 


Apl. 

8 

1806 






Apl. 

10 

1806 










3 


Anne Fries 


July 

7 
1S07 


Dec. 28 
1825 


Dr. John Rhea 
Barton 


Nov. 
'8)7 


Philadelphia. 


4 


Persifor 


June 
1809 


never 
married 




Apl. 

1 1 

18S0 






Died in Rome, Italy. 


5 


John Fries 


July 

8 
1812 


Sept. 1 

1838 


Charlotte 

(Jeffers) 

Cave 


Oct. 
12 

1872 




6 


Mary Worrall 


Jan. 

15 

1814 


never 
married 




June 

11 

1814 









By his third wife Alice (Pennell) Yarnall he had: 
Dec. 



Joseph 
Pennell 
Afterwards 
named Robert 



29 
1818 



May 26 
1846 



Jane 

Biddle 
Wood 



May 

4 
1878 



Philadelphia. 



414 



Frazer Family. 

Generation XIX. 

The children of John Fries Frazer (XVIII-5) and Charlotte (JefTers) 

Cave (XVIII-i). 





Name 
Anne 


Date 

of 
Birth 

July 

24 

1839 


1 )ate 

of 

Marriage 

May i<> 

i8S2 


Name 

of 
Spouse 

Rev. Thos. K. 
Conrad 


1 late 

of 

1 leath 


Residence and Remarks 


1 


Dr. Conrad 

b. Jan. iq, 1836. 
d. May 28, 1893. 


z 


Sarah 


Feb. 

17 
1841 


Mav 30 
1861 


Richard 
lewis 
Ashhurst 






3 


Persifor 


July 

24 

1844 


Sept. 2 
187. 


Isabella 
Nevins 
Whelen 







Generation XX. 

The children of Persifor Frazer (XIX-3) and Isabella Nevins 
Whelen (XIX-2). 



I 


Charlotte 


Sept. 

'4 
1872 










2 


Persifor 


July 

3 
1874 


April 

12 

1898 


Mary 

Newbold 

Welsh 




Si e footnote. 


3 


Laurence 


Feb. 

1 1 

1878 








June 
29 
1881 


Died at Buffalo Ridge 
Springs, Va. 


4 


John 


Feb. 

5 
18S2 








Born 202 Rue de Rivoll, 
Paris, France. 



* Children— Maria Newbold, b. Tunbridge Wells, Engl., Nov. 5, 1898; Persifor, b. 
Philadelphia, April 8, 1900 ; Isabel, b- Philadelphia, Dec 7, 1902. 



415 



INDEX 






Abercrombie, Gcnl., 98, 183. Bannister, Charles, -14. 

U>ington, 36. Barbadoes, 13, 14.47. 

Abstracl <.i Receipts, 277. Barbarities of British, 143, [45 

Addison, Alex., ,552. Barbraim, 36 

Admiral Warren tavern, 401. Barnard, L'hos., 285. 

Aguecheek, And., 3. 20. Barr, Jno., 325, 375, 376; Mr., 34. 

Aireys, Mrs., 205. Barron, Hon. Jno., 366 

Aitken's Gen. Am. Reg., 356. Barry, (apt.. 240. 250. 

Alamance Co., N. C, 22. Bartholomew, 133; Benj., 104. 307. 1 

Albert, Jacob, 44. Benj., 195, 233, 236, 260, 262, 273. -77; 

Albright, lac, 44; Joe, 45. Cath'r., 41; Col. Jno., 292; Jno., -7-'. 

"Alert", The, --50. .!";. .)i-'; I.t . 01, 02, !is; Maj., 148; 

Alexander, Win., 216. Mr., 27, [04, ll8, 358; rhos., 40. 
Allen. -'4; And., 51; Capt., 33, (wife) 34; Bartlers. Jno.. 25s; I.t., 2 .• t. 277; Patrick, 

Eph., 54; Lt. Col., 94- 363; Win., Si. 215. 

Allison, Benj., 367; Win., 272. Barton, Dr. John Rhea, -'84. 

Almanac, Univ'l. Am., 20, 32. Bassett, Davis, 366 

Aloe tree, 101. Bayard, Col., 316, 321, 322, 333. !""• Jas. 

Alston, Jos., Jr., 367. ^ 82; Jno., 317; Steph., 357. 

Am. Iron & Steel Ass', 9. Bayliff, Edward, 43. 

Anderson, 118, 3S8; Capt.. 85; Eph., 367; Beal, Wm., 312. 

Lt., J-7; l'at. K.. 07; (Pill.s) 100. Bean, Josh., 43, 44, 377, 378, 379. 5 s " 

Annagola, Ireland, 30. Beaton, Jno.. 364. 

Antil. Col.. to8. Beaty, Jno.. Capt. & Maj . 357. 

Antis, Hen. (Sheriff) 319, 320. Beauset, 126. 

Archers, -•-'. Beckwith, Mr.. 288 

Armitage, Benj., 366. Bedford, 324; \tty Gen., -78; Cil 

^rms, Description .>f, .'83 to 290. Col., 108; Cl 11 . -•-•. 25; Gunning, 280. 

Armstrong, 31, 315; Jno., 40, [34, 331; Bedkins. Capt., 194 

Nealey, 40; Win . 49, Beedle, Col., 103 

Arnold, Genl. Benedict, 87, 89. 103, 109, Beasley, 18. -■_■. .-3. 36; Geo., 31; [saac, 24; 

119. mj. U4. 207. Maj., 21, -'4. 3'; Wm.. 31. 

Wh. Josh.. (Oath) 292 B. I 1 , (O ith). 292. 

Ashbridge, Geo.. 5; fosh, 348. B< Ifa I Sovereign of, 334 

Askew. Parker, 294; Saml., 585. Belford, Major, r6g, 170. 

Atkin, I110., 49. Bell, Mr., 248: Pattei on, 60, 258 

Attire. 'Win. R.. 353; Col., 363 Bells, Kennett Sq., 358 

\u mi Benj . 366, 367; los., 367. Benderman, Serj . 233; rhos., 225. 

Thos., i'7. Benezet, Saml. Capt., 357. 

Aughwitk, 325; (Falls), 37s. Bennett, Edw., W. Jas., 66. 

Bensted, Uex . 34; Capt., 154; Mr.. 153. 

Baggs, Ins.. 355. Bentley. Shasbarger, Bezabul, 352. 

Bailey] Benj. '320, 321; Joel, 67. Bernard. James, 366 

Baker, Aaron, 217; David, 112; Isaac, 361; Berry, James (recpt), 274 

Iciciii.. (67; fos., 44, 398; Mary Wins- Bethlehem, 316. 321. !.;o. 

li w, Nath., 297; Xeli , 44, 360; Richd . Bettle, Edw . 48. 

194; Wm.. 375. Bevan. Dayis . 60. 

Bald Eagle. ?_>4. Bible-in-Heart, Phila., 20, 33 

Baldwin, jas., 352; Wm., 342. Bicker, Hen.. Major. 357. 

Ball Col. Thos.,294; Win., 367. Biddle, Chas., 331. 334. 345: Clement. 253; 

Bamhill, John, 366. Mr., 69, 165; Owen, 68. 

I'7 



Biggar, Thos. (Oath), 293. 

Biggam, Corp. Ct. Mar., 206. 

Billingsport, 249. 

Birmingham, Mt., H., 173, 400. 

Bishop. Jos., Jr.; Thos., 07; Mills, 390. 

Bisscll. John. 366. 

Black Capt. 209; Jos. (Oath), 293. 

Blackburn, Anth., 313. 

Black-Horse Alley Phila.. 20. 

Blackstone, Mr.. 162, 199, 404. 

Blackwood (drum'r), 358. 

Blair, Mr., 222; Saml., 84. 

Blewor George, 278. 

Blue Ball tavern, 157, 161, 383, 385,401, 402. 

Blue Ridge, 31. 

Bolton, Isaac, 352. 

Bombay Hook (Del. Riv.), 137. 

Bonner, Capt. Rudolph, 357. 

Boom across, Delw'r riv., 361. 

Boyd, Andw., 27; murdered, 301; Mr. 390. 

Boon, And., (Oath), 293; Hawkins, 367; 

Jos., (Oath), 293; Peter, (Oath), 294. 
Bones, Thos., 351. 
Bonsall, Edwd., 367; Jesse, 66. 
Botetourt Co., Va., 18. 
Bottomry, 18. 
Boucher, Mr., 15. 
Boude, Capt.. 258; Lt., 215, 232; Mr., 224, 

233- 
Boudinot, Elias, 168, (letter), 246, 247. 
Bougher, Jno., 297. 
Bound Brook, N. J., 140, 224, 226. 
Bowen, Jno., 341; Mr., 312. 
Boy, Mr., 22. 
Boyce. Joseph, 44. 

Boyd, Andw., 27; murdered, 301; Mr., 387. 
Bowyers, Va., 22, 24; Jno., 25. 
Boyle, Thos.. Capt., 357- 
Braeden, Jas.. 328. 
Braithwaite, Mr., 15. 
Braman, Ben]., (letter). 312. 
Bradford, Cornelius, 84; Wm„ Jr.. 35, 345, 

351- 

Brandywine (Battle of), 155; Little, 322. 

Brannan, Benjamin, 67. 

Brannon. Mich!., 232. 

Brickett, Genl., 132. 

Bridges. Geo., 325, 374. 

Brig. Gen. Com's'n, 305. 

Briggs, Jno., 44, 297. 

Brinton, Mr., 134, 146, 197; Caleb, 70, 81, 

129, 188. 307; Dr. D. G., 285; Edw.. 

307: Geo., 285, 296; Jas., 233; Jno., 283; 

J. H., 283; Lewis, 285. 
Brisbane, Jno., Capt., 357. 
Bristol. Penna., 254. 
Bristow, Rev. Wm., 334. 
Britton, John, 366. 
Broadhead, 257; Col., Lt. Col., 363. 
Broadside. 64, 327. 
Brogden, Mr., 22. 
Bromall, Danl., 360. 



Brooks, Mr., 125; Nich., 380; Win, 30. 

"Brothers Agreement," 10. 

Brown, 326; Jas., 225, 367; Jno., 367, 370; 
Jos., 67; Wm., 324. 

Browning, Thomas, 28. 

Bruell, Henry, D. Q. M. G., 237. 

Brunswick, 229. 

Bryan's, Pa., 359. 

"Buchanan's," Va., 19, 21, 26; Col., 25, 324; 
Mr.. 255. 

Buckley, 358. 

Buck-man, Thos., 367. 

"Bucks Forest," 390. 

Buffington, Robt, 337; Thos.. 66. 

Bugurt, John, 31. 

Bullis, Saml., 367. 

Bullock, 322; Isaac, 126. 

Buncombe. Col., 243. 

Bunting, Saml., 5. 

Burd, Edw., 354; (Oath), 292. 

Burge, Eliz.. 311. 

Burgoyne, Gen., 92, 96, 108, 109, 133, 148, 
152. 

Burlington. N. J., 250. 

Butler, Col. R., 261; Col., 216, 323, 407; 
Lord, 321; Rchd, 297; Won., 261; Zebu- 
Ion. 317. 

Busteed, Morgan, 37. 

Butterrield, Major. 103. 

Cadwalader, Lt. Col., 363; Mr. Lambert, 

69: Jno., 343. 
Caige, Parson, 112. 
Caldwell, 34, 36, 233; Mr., 36, 346; Chas., 

324; Robt., 324; Saml., 50, 52, 56. 
Calkeld, Egnis (Agnes?), 7. 
Callay. John M., 30. 
Calvert, 70; Danl. & Dvd, 49; Danl.. 59, 60, 

72. 73, 360; Isaac, 46; Nath., 378; 

Saml., 43. 
Carney. Edw., 316. 
Campbell. Col., 97; Q. M. G., 98. 
Canby, Thos., 360. 
Canoe Creek, 308. 
Capt'n's Commission. 78, 79. 
Carleton. Gen., 109, 134, 135. 
Carlin, 199; Jno., 193. 
Carlton. Col., 130. 
Carmichael, Jas.. 375. 
Carolines, 21. 
Caron, 321. 

Carpenter, Jasper, 367; Thos., 30. 
Carr. Persifor. 45. 
Carrington, Col., 386. 
Carson, Wm., 30. 
Cassell, Jas., 367. 
Carswell. Ann, 392, 393. 
Caster. Edward, (Oath), 292. 
Catskill, 259. 

Chadd's Ford, 155. 234, 236. 400. 
Chalmers, Jas., 251. 
Chambers, Col., 254, 259; Ferry, 324. 






Il8 



i Chamberlain, 2X. 46; Jno., <). 10, 16, 31. 

Chamblee, 207. 

Chandler, Jno, 366; Phcebe, 331; Thos., 5. 

Chance, Benj.. 342. 

v_iiapman, .las., 307. 

Charleston, ?: S. C, 17. 

Chasson, Mr., 1S7, 189. 

Chatson, Mr., 141. 

Cheeseman, Mr., 47. 

Chester Co., Blues, 287; Meeting, .547. 

Chest. Military, 287. 

Chew., Benj.. 58, 61. 

Cheney, Col., .104; Edw., 352; (letter), i<> 1 . 

Mr.. 83, 117, 132. 149. 186, 189, 196, 107. 

[99; Mrs., 134; Rich'd, 67, 310. 394; 

Thos., 44. 61, 63, 94, 105, 106, 115, [27, 

135- 155. 195- 210, 27-'. 291, 295, 297, 341. 
Child. Capt.. 37. 
Childsburg, 25. 
Chilisquakee, 326 
Christie, 140; Capt, 195. 219. 221. 254. 27S; 

Lt., 215; Maj., 157. 158; Mr.. 119. 
Christopher. .1.. wile. 360. 
Church, Capt., 82, 95. 146. 148. .^57\ Thos . 

78. 
Ckukshank. Joseph. 356 
Claims ag't U. S. from raid, 276. 
Clarks, 25; DanL, 34, 325; Jno, 367; Saml., 

XV- 
Clarke. Matthew, 360. 
Clanickney, 313. 
Claypoole, .las., 366. 
Clayton. Col. Asher, 16, 2g, 309; Jos., 385; 

Maj., 376; Mr., 325; Richd., 385. 
Clements, 22, 25. 
Clemson, las.. 324. 
Clifford, thos.. 367- 
ClifTton. Thos.. 367. 
Clime. Philip (Oath), 293. 
Cline. William, 274. 
Clinton. 209; Gen.. 184. 
Cloathier, General, 265. 
"Cloves. The." (N. J.), 148. 
Cloyd, Mary, 330; David (Oath), 292. 
Clymer, 326; Dan'l, 366. 
Coates, Lindsey, Steph., Win., Jr., 367. 
Coffine. Wm, 366. 
Coleman. Capt.. 268. 
Cornley. Job., 367. 
Commission. Brig. Gen., 272; Capt., 78; 

Lt. Col.. 244. 
Com'nr of Purchases, 269. 
Com. of Safety. 77. 
"Company's Lott," 10. 
Complaints of bad beef. 216. 
Complete Quota Act Assem., 27. 
Concord. 11: Mt. H.. 4 
Congr. Resol. recruitment. 79. 
Conn, claimants. 318; demands. 319. 
Connelly. Bryan. 12; Jno., 225, 233; Lawr., 

202. 
Conner, blind, 112. 



Connor, Col., 227. 
Convention Scheme, 87. 91. 

Conway. Le\ m ; Wm . 44 
Cook, Allen. 40; Fred'k, 205. 
1 1 !• iks Creek, 24. 

k ikhagen, 359. 
1 ope, Gilbert, 378, 384. 
( loren, Isaac. 366. 
1 1 1] k, Ireland, 4. 
( '.ini' ig, Jno., (< '.'tli>. 293. 
( lorry, 35 

Coryell's Ferry, 151, 234, 
Cornwallis, 161, 174. 400 
Cottringer, 47. 
Court of Inq., (oo 
Couteau dc Chasse. .'So. 
Cowan. 313; Jos., 66. 
Cowey. Saml.. 21. 
Cowpland, David, 66, '17. f>8, 141. 293, 295; 

Mr.. I2(j, [38, 
Cox. John, Jr., 366; Moses, 196. 
Coxe, Daniel. 177; Jno.. 311. 
Craig. Thos., Capt.. 357; Wm., 367. 
Cramps. 31. 
Crafts. Thos., 366. 
Crawford. 22. 31; Jno . 07. 385. 
( Crispin, Saml.. 366. 
Cresman, Fhilip Baltzar, 28. 
Cresson, Jerem., 366. 
Crockitt, Richd., 44. 
Cronin, Steph.. 366. 
Crookshank, Chas.. 194: Wm., 40 
Crosby, John. 66; Jno., Jr., 65, 368 
Cross Roads, Pa., 151. 230. 251, 382 
Crown Point, 98, 101, no. 123, 130, 131. 
Crows. Wm., 21; in Stanton, 24. 
Crozier, Gen.. 288. 
Cuckolds Town. 148. 
Culbert, Saml , 330. 
Cunningham. ]»■<.. 366 
Curtis. Thomas. 28. 
Cuthbert, Jno, 36, 63 

Dan 23. 

Davidson. Dr. 252; Jno,. 341; Wm., 203. 

Davis. 358; Ben. 31, ,\2 . Caleb. 71; Col. 

CTb . (Oath), 292; .las.. (Oath), 292; 

Jno., (Oath). 293: Jon.. 3S4: Josh., 93; 

Lewis. Sr,. 07; Mvruk. 13. 27; Robt . 

316; Sampson, 17; Saml.. 302. 
Davison. Dr.. 236. 
Dayton, Jno. Cant.. 265 
Deal. Nicholas, 66. 
Death of Gen. Frazer, 371. 
Decker, Peter. Capt., 357. 
Declin'n, (Com. Purch). 270-1. 
Deckers. 359. 
Deep Creek. Furnace, 9. 10, }X 42. 72. 7.1 '■ 

Iron wks . 9, 11. 
De Haas. 100. 217: Gen., 138. 
Dehaven, Peter, 366. 
de Kalb, Baron, 253. 



419 



Delany, Col., 251. 

Delaware Iron industr. in 9; and Md. 

land claim. 1 -, a 
Delwortli, Mr.. 390. 
De Mauregnault, J no., 49. 
Dement, Com'y prisoners. 171. 
Den. Jno., 31 1. 
Denny. Dvd; Win., 295-6. 
d'Estaing, 25b, 386. 
Devil Dunmore, 209. 
Dew, Joseph, 228. 
Dewees, Col., 81; Wm.. 366. 
De West, Capt., 159. 160, 276. 
Diary, death of Gen. Frazer, 390. 
Dicas, Thos., [6. 
Dick. Alex., 300; Arch'd, (Oath), 269, 294, 

384, 385. Maj., 142, 190. 191. 
Dickinson, Cadwldr., 367; Jas., 62, 366; Jno. 

342, 368, 381; Mary, 542; Mr., ^4; Sally 

N., 34-'. 
Dicks, Jos., 339; Maj. Arch., 142. 
Diehl. Capt. Nich. (Oath), 292 
Dillingham, Mr., 284. 
Dilworth, 358; A. II.. 174. C. 57; Chas., 

57, 66, 174 307. 312. 331, 352; Jas.. 174, 

X^,.\; Jas.. Jr.. 331, 338, 339, 342; Jos., 

307; -town, 397. 
Dodrill, James. 44. 
Donevan, Wolman, 44 
Douglas, 52. 53, 54, yy, Wm., 29, 72. 
Douglass, Jno., 44; Wm., 9, 10, 43, 44, 

SO, 56. 
Dove, Rob., 367. 
Down, Jacob, 119. 
Du Bois, Helena, 361. 
Dubre, 27. 
Drewet, Jno., 385. 
Drewry, W., 367. 
Drunkenness in army. 202. 
Duffield. Dr., 390, 391, 392. 396; Geo.. Rev., 

315; Jr., 396; Mr., 305; Saml., 371. 
Dun. J. Ct. Mar.. 215. 
Dunbar. 58; Mr., 18; Thos., 45. 
Diinchanna, 316. 
Dunkard Town, ^22. 
Dunken, Wm. Butler, Capt., 357. 
Dunlap, 194; Am., Adv., 372; jno., 81, 367. 
Dunn, Jno.. 367. 
Dunwoody, Wm. (Oath). 292. 
Duryee, Trucof. 31. 
Dutton, Jno., 385; Thos., 339. 

Eastburn. 392; Jno., 367. 388; S. G., 381. 

Eddy, 37; Jas., 36. 

Edenton, Saml., 312. 

Edward. Jno., 297. 

Edwards, 43; Jemima, 10, 46; Jno., 116, 

.178. 394: Nath.. 44; Wm., 67. 
"Effingham" (frigate), 250. 
Eldridge. Saml., 50, 
Eliott, Mr.. 15. 
Elizabeth, N. J., 147. 



Elk. Md.. 239. 

Elligood, 30. 

Elliot, Peter, 38. 

Ellis, Capt. Hen., 357; Paul, 82. 

Elmslie, Jno., 366. 

Elzey, Jno.. 44 

Emmett, Mr., 37. 

Emott, Jas., 31. 

Engle. Fredk, 334. 

Englishtown, N. J., 182. 

Epaulette. 288. 

Erwin, Lt. Col., 363. 

Escape from Prison, 176. 

Essington, 35; Jno., 44. 

Evans, 58; Abel, 366; Cadwaldr.379; Danl. 
366; Ensn.. 2^i, 277; Evan, 66: Jas., 67 
Jno. 295, 296; Josua, 67; Rowl'd, 366 
Saml.. 279; Thos., 66, 67, 83, 145 
Wm. (Oath), 292. 

Evanson, Richd., 297. 

Everly's Banks Schuylkill, 251. 

Ewing, Rev. John, 74, 377. 

Eyre, Naac, 06; Robt., 367. 

Fagg's-manor, 348. 

Fairlamb, Fredk., 12(1, 310; Nicholas, 

Saml.. 66. 
Fallows, Job, 74, 111, 120, 360; Mary, 303, 

312, 328. 3.«: Polly, 157, 158. 
Fen, Richd., 31 1. 
Fergison, Robt., (Oath), 293. 
Ferguson, Mr., 171, 176, 179, 180, 181, 220, 

245, 246, 248; W. H., (Com'y Prisnrs), 

177. 178. 
Ferry, (Haw Riv.), 25. 
Felton, Thos., 366. 
Fetterman, Geo., y^y. 
Field, Wm., (Oath), 293. 
Finegan, B., 248. 
Finley, 23; .lav. 329; Jno. E.. 348. 351; 

Saml.. 27, 348-49-50-51. 
Finney, Robt., 374; Walter, 66. 
Fishkill, N. V.. 203. 
Fisher, Wm.. 348. 
Fishbourne, Ben., A.D.C.. 259. 
Fitch, 193. 
Fitzimons, 326. 
Fitz, Capt., 191, 387. 
Fitzpatrick, Jas., 387, 388. 
Flanagan, 30. 
Flat Lands, L. I., 264. 
Florida. 17. 

Flower. Richd., (Oath), 293. 
Flowerson, Jno., 360. 
"Flush," 217. 
Flying Camp, 227. 
Fly Markett, .^7- 
Flynn, Jno., 367. 
Foley. 325. 
Forbes. Lt., 197, 198, 221, 233, 257, 261; 

Lt. Jas., 277; Mr., 142. 
Ford, Philip. 365, 381. 









420 



Forester, Ralph, (Oath), 2<)2. 

Forst, Jno., 367. 

Fort, Edward. 148; Fort George, 96, 107, 

211, 218; 1 Ynn, 250; Pitt, 1111 

William Henry, 04. 
Forvvood, Jim.. 310. 
Foulke, Caleb, 10; Jim . 66. 
Fourier, Jim.. 44. 
Fourth Batallion Penna. line. 78. 
Fox, Jno., Jos., .?<><> 
Francis, Bailey. 315; Jno., 295, 296 
Frank, Isaae, 112; Sarah. [8. 
Franklin. Dr. Benj., 66, 170; Deborah, 66; 

Mr., no; Saml., Walter, n ; Thos., 246. 
Frankstown, 324, 407; branch Juniata, 308. 
Frazer, Anne, 113, 123, 128; Eliza., 287; 

Jno.. 33, 35, 37; Jim. F.. 283, 285; J. G . 

_• 1 4 ; M ' v An. 157. 262; Mr.. 404; Mr-. 

306; M'v. (Iij; M'v (Smith). 313; M'v 

W., (25, 304; Nancy, .?"-'; 1'. R-, 362; 

Robt., 17. 31, 157, 332. .!''-'■ 39°: Sarah. 

_.S^. 284; Sally, .(55. 362; Pers., 1 57- 
Frederick, Jno., 4*. Lau., (Oath). 293; 

Md., 19. 
Fredericksburg, N. Y., 200. 
Frederick Town, 23. 26. 
Freehold. 173. 
Free Masons, 405. 
Fryer, George, 63, 296, 304. 
Funck-Ens'n., 215. 
Funks, 21, 23, 26. 



Galbreath, Jas., 325. 

Galloway, Ins., 251; Mr., 28, 48. 

Gardner, Fras.. 331; J.. 354. 355; J 11 - , 

332; Jos., 301, 406. 
Garnet, Robt., 233. 
Garret, Ro'bt.. Ct. Martial, 232. 
Garrigues, Saml., 366. 
Gaskill. Peter, 367. 
Gates. Maj. Gen., 9°. 101. 121, 122, 131, 

135, 184. 207. 223. 256. 386, 399 
Gath, George, 258. 
Gemmil, Jno., 376. 
General Hospital, 21 1. 
Geneva, 30. 

George, Benj.. 367; (Wheelwright), 30 
Germain. Lord George, 167. 
Gibb, Jos., 58. 
Gibbons, 322, 387; Col. 333; Jas., 5. 

Jos.. 122; Jr., 67, 368; J. H . 392; 

126. 174. 134. 39i; Mr - • l6 -'- l(y 9- 

405 (search), 164; W„ 36; Wm, 

279. 307. 331. 332. 
Gichnn. Thus.. .134- 
Girard. iqi. 

Gill. Michl.. (Oath). 294. 
Gillespie, 324; Mr., 22. 
Gilliland. Jno., (.7. 
Gillingham. Jas . 366. 
Gilmore. Paul. 225; Serj., 233 
Gilpin. Gideon. 307; Jos., Geoi ;e, 364 



307. 



[32 



1 21 1 : 
Mr.. 

175. 

126, 



I \ Mill. 146. 

( lirty, Simon, 314. 

( lien, Mr., ;5o 

1 .1. mi, 363; Jas . 362; Rob . .'ii 

( il< ntwi ii tli. < hi 1., 366. 

( ioddard, Win , 267. 

Godshalk. Jcb.. 367. 

Golden Swan, 171). 

( loodw 111. Mi.- . 398; E ii' 11 h, . 38; 1 -aac, 

(98; Jas . 398; Jno., 367; Ri( hd . I hos., 

Sarah (later \\ orrell), 398. 
1 Ii irdon, < len . [1 9, (20; Mr., 1 77- 
1 lo Inn. Pa . [69, 
( i< iverm ir's 1 sland, S7 
( iovett, Ji s., 366 
('.race, Robt., 13 

1 Iraecen, Jim.. Robt., 313. 

Graeme, Dr. Thos., 382; Park, 152. 382 

( Iraham, Eleanor, 338; 11.. 61; 11. 11.. 4'). 

.iin. 331. 333. 334. 336, 339. 342, 344. 377. 

380; Mrs., 46, 126, .V-..V. Squire, 58; 

Win , 203. 310; W. II . 378. 
( Irani. I ien . 161, 167, 402; Jno . 44. 
( .1 a\ e's, 21 , 25. 
Gray, Mrs., 175. -'47. 282. 
Graydon, Alex., (apt.. 357 
Giay\ Ferry. Hula., [63, [64, 248. 
Grayson, Wm . Col., 263. 
( Ireason, Jim., Betty, 40 
Gregg, Robt., 203. 

Green Abel, 31)4: Black Tom, 360; Edw., 

58, 01, 63; Estate, 360; Kel.ec, 44; 

Thos., 46 
Greene. Gen. Nalh.. 85, 87, i."7. 406. 
"Greyhound," II M. S. [67. 
Gril. hie. Jos., 385- 
( line, Francis, 27S 
Griffin, life of Barry, 250. 
Griffith, Benj. 366; Li . 1S7. 2.^. 277, 

(recpt); Lt. Levi, 261, 274 (recpt); 

Mr, 1 iS. 141. 144. 211. 
Griffithe, Mi . 81. 
Grit'fy. Jno., 225. 
( Iripe, Saml., Haul . 3 4. 
Gri-.ci.ni, Saml . 3<>o 
i ,, issell, Edw., 44. 300; Tom., 306. 
1 ir. mow . 1 e\\ is, 67. 
Gross, Lt., 2ii, 212. 

Grubb, Adam, 126, 104. 3°7. 33L 333. 334. 
Grub er. Geo., 293; Jno . 291 (< lath). 
1 luineas, 21 
Limine. Dvd . .!<>7 

Gwyn. Maj., 249 



1 fagi rman, [no . 321. 

Haines, 24; [osiah, 336, 3371 l ' rul " ' 

llalbert. Serj.. 230. 

Hale. Tim.. 366- 

Halecart. Hen., [94 

Half Wav Hon e, 358. 

Halifax. N. C, 19; Ct. H., 22. 2S 



421 



Hall, 22; 360; Mr., 29; Jno., 44; Saml., 

32, 35- 
Halliday, Mr., 18; Win., 45- 
Halloway, Jno., 36. 
Hambright, Capt., 29. 
Hamel, Mr., 219. 

Hamilton, Alexander, 232; Jas., 376. 
Hamipton, Benj, 44; Sam., 36. 
Hamstead, L. I., 87. 
Hancock, John, 79. 
Hand, Col., 83. 
"Hanger," 286. 
Hannis, Jno, 367. 
Hannum, 46; Col., 141, 161, 176, 177, 181, 

196, 197, 264, 282, 390. 391, 404, 406; 

Jno., 180: Jno., 49, 01, 66, 73, 279, 294, 

326, (Oath), 345, 380, 403. 
Harbour, 21; Thos, 30. 
Harbows, Thomas, 24. 
Harding, 30. 
Harlan, Stephen, 337. 
Harman's Run. 393. 
Harmar, Jos., 214. 
Harmer, Col., 260. 
Harper, J. (letter), 203, 264; Maj., 157, 161, 

162, 169, 170, 176, 235, 236, 273 (recpt). 

281, 329, 398, 401, 402, 403, 404; Maj. J., 

155; Jno., 17, 86, 127, 390; Mr., 107, no, 

127, 130. 134, 141, 147, 210, 215; Mrs., 

362; Q. M., 115; 's Ferry, 19, 26. 
Harris, Capt., 195; Jas., 14; Jno., 324; Jos. 

S., 4. 7'. 399; Maj., 370; Mr., 29, 30, 

39; Robt., 367; Thos., 295, 296, 402; 

Wm, 351, 352; Ferry, 322. 
Harrison, Col., 386; Lt. Col. R. H, 172; 

Robt., 239; Thos., 366. 
Hart, Jno., 66, 366. 

Hartley, Jas., 367; Lt. Col., 363; Mr, 68. 
Hartman, John, 66. 
Harvey, Jos., 5: Mr., 29. 
Haslam, Richd., 17. 
Haslep, Thos.. 66. 
Haslewood, Wm, Rachel, 337. 
Haston, Wm. (Oath), 292. 
Hauley, Jno, 5. 
Hausegger, Col, 118, 120, 121, 129, 132; 

Maj, 88, 96, no, 212, 296. 357: Nich, 

82, 399; (deserted in 1777.) 
Havard, Saml, 368. 
Havel, jcb, 5. 
Haw River, 24. 
Hawfields, 21. 
Hawley, Wm, 272. 
Hay, Col , 259. 
Haydock, Eden, 367. 
Haye, Henry, 194. 
Hayes. 22; Henry (Oath), 291. 
Hazen, Col, 103, 107, 108, 207. 
Hemphies, 157. 
Hemphill, Jas, (Oath), 292, 336; Jos, 

44. 310. 



Henderson, David, 335, 336; Jno, 36; Mr. 

142; Wm, 328. 
Hendry, Dr., 264. 
Hening, Capt, 15. 
Henry, Ann, 337, 340; Geo, 266; M. 223 

Mr, 42, 97, 120, 138, 305, 306; Mrs. 

304; Wm, 12. 298, 315, 340, 373. 
Henthorn, Margaret, 391. 
Herbert, Major, 197. 
Hessians, 229; Soldiers, 163. 
Hewes, S. F, 397. 
Hickman, Thos, 44; Fran, 57. 
Hill, Jno, 44; Owens, 325, 358, 360. 
Hillegass, Michael, 366. 
Milliard, EHzth, 70. 
Hillsboro, 146. 
Hiltzheimer, J'cb, 366. 
Hinds, 30. 
llitner, Geo, 377. 
Hockley, Mr, 67; Thos, 66, 368. 
Hodgsons, Mrs, 283. 
Hoffnagle, Mr, no. 
Hogan, Jno, (Oath), 293. 
Hoge, Jno, 342. 
Holmes, Thos, 365, 381. 
Hollabacks, Mr, 316. 
Holliday. 58. 
Holston, 44. 
Holtons, 26. 
Hook, Jno, 27. 
Hooper, R. L, 367. 
Hoopes, Abner, 392, 396; Maj. Adam, 265 

Ez, 341; Geo, 66; Jno, 384; Moses 

344: Steph, 348. 
Hoops, Abram, 70, 398; Danl, 398. 
Horse & Unicorn 'White). 26. 
Horstmann, W. H. Co, 286. 
Horver's Works, 30. 
Hoskins, Jos, 347. 
House, Amos. 352. 
Houston, Va, 19. 
Howard, Perry, 303; Peter, 366. 
Howe, Gen, 92, 109, 148, 152, 161, 162, 163 

167, 168, 169, 170, 172, 173, 246. 247, 397 

400, 401; Lord, 119, 132, 174; Mr, 209 
Howell, Abr, 367; Isaac, 366, J'cb, 385 

Jos, Jr., 278, 366; Maj, 270; Reading 

260, 142; Thos, 185; Ferry, N. J, 151 

382. 
Hower, Richd, 66. 
Hubbs, Hen, 63, 367. 
Hubley, Jos , Capt, 357. 
Huffington. Wm, Jr., n. 
Hughes, Edw., 40; Hugh, Isaac, 367; 

Jno, 351; Sarah, 394, 397; Thos, 5. 
Hulings. Jno, Capt, 357. 
Hummels town, 322. 
Humphreys, Benj, 367; Edw, 66; Jas, Jr., 

65; Richd, 66; Whitehd, 366. 
Humphries, Chas, 126, 194. 
Hunt. Mr, 15, 27; Jno, 307, 367; Isaac, 28. 



422 



Hunter, Col., 326; Geo., 352; Jas., 368; 

Junth.. 296, 297, 352, 354; Jno., 332. 
Hurley I own, .359. 
Hutchinson, Dr., 257. 
Huwarry Creek, 31. 

Ibison, Wm., 367. 

Isle au Noix, 109. 

He of Mutt, 120. 

Independence Hall (State House), 165. 

Ingersoll, Jared, 252; Mr.. 345, 390. 

Ingrain. Isaac. 44; Mall., 307. 

Inquisition. 295. 

Isburne, Mr.. 390. 

Isherwood, Geo., .567. 

Ireland, Edward, Mr., 47. 

Iron Enterprises in Del., 9. 

Irvine, Col., 140. 

Irwin, Wm., 354. 



Jackman, Dr., 14, 15, 29, 47. 

Jackson, 25. 

Jacobs, Ben., 296, 368; Jno., 275, 296, 366; 

Is., 366. 
Jacoby, Benj.. 295. 
Jamaica. L. I., 87. 
Janus, Caleb, 48, 126, 279, 390, 395; ('apt., 

194; Mary, 395, 398; Mr.. 390; Moses, 

340; River. Va., 19; Win.. (Oath). 293. 
Jarman. Jm>., 307. 
Jay. Jno.. 265. 
Jefferis, Emor, 126. 
Jeffers, Betsy, 339. 340. 
Jenkins, 27, 37; Capt., 105-6-8; Geo., 35; 

Jos., 366; Mrs.. 53, 63, (4. 05, 75. 82, 

85, 95. 98. 108, 162, 281; Wm., 33, 36. 

366. 
Jeremiah, 24. 
Jerman, Jno., 28. 
Jersey. Redoubt, 361. 
Jervis, Jno., Jr., 366. 
Jester, Mr.. 174. 
Johnson, Billy, 134; II. V.. 374; Jas.. 31; 

Jno.. 1(1, 366; Josh., 333; Tommy, [29; 

Wm. 116. 186, 191. 
Johnston, Capt., 233; Col., 81, 83. 85. 87. 

133. 137. 151, i"5. 186, 187. 188, [89, 101. 

[96, 215, 2l6, 219, 221, 233, 245. - ,( >-'. -74. 

277, 363, 400, 405; !•'.. 220. 222, 22(1, 227, 

229. 230, 234, 236, 237, 251, 253, 254, 255. 

256, 257, 258, 260, 386. 399; Francis, 66. 

67, 68, 71; Lt., 201. 202, 203; Lt. Col.. 

202. 204. 212. 363; Mr., 195; Jno, 375: 

Thos., 314. 
Jolly. Mary, 17. 
Jones. Abedingo, 192; Benj. ,342; Chaplain. 

Parson, Rev. Mr.. 103, [II, 128, 14c). 

150, 210; Datil., 325. 374: Dr.. ig.s. 230; 

Edw., 67; I'.lij . 307; Francis, 81; 1 

29. Jno, [26; jr. 3(7; fos., 44. 207; 

Mr., 106, 109, 116, 117. 118. [21, 127, 130, 



[41,149, 154,306; Mi , [87, [89 Thos., 

367 ; Win (( lath 1. 293. 
Journal. Sullivan's Campaign, 20s. 
Joy, Hen . xv-,. 

|oyi e, 21 ; I Ims . 24; -ville, 19 
Juniata river, 32 1 
Jumkin, Mary, 342. 
J ust oi Peace 1 ■ im'sn, 331. 

Kacklein, 359. 

Karnasi d, I hos . ,\.\3. 

Keith, Sir Win . 382. 

Kelly, Danl., Geo., 44; J. is.. 2,^3: Jn.i 249; 

\1 1 , .(53; I im . !02 
Kelso. Saml., 315, 328. 
Kemly, ( !eo., 375. 
Kemmell, Michl., 233. 
Kencher, Jno. G/t., Lt., 232. 
Kenersly, Mr.. 10 
Kennedy, Saml . Dr. Saml., 12, 13, 43, 71, 

72. 84, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 04. in.), no, 

113. lid. 117. 121, I30, 132, 134, l.lS. 

211. 212, 218, 219, 247, 357. 358, j8o; 

Mrs . 86, 88, 107. 193; Sarah, 8 . Wm , 

39°. 
Keppele, 1 [en., Jr.. 367. 
Kerlin, Jno , (17; Win . 1 26. 
Kerr, las, (( lath), 292. 
Kershaw, Mitchell, io 
Key. Alien. 272; Moses, 364 
Kilpatrick, Ct. Martial, 201; Hugh (< lath) 

203. 
Kimbler, Jno., 310. 112. 
Kimmell, Lt., (recpt), 277; Michl., 228; 

Mr., 187, 221, 275; I'ayin.. 233 
KiiiK. Dan. 367; Jos., 38, 366; Peter, 21, 

24; 's Ferry, [84. 
Kinsey, Dvd., 41, 366; Mr. 29. 
Kippo, I'lnlip. 217. 
Kirchland, 350 
Kischacaqualos, 324. 
Kittanning town, 324. 
Kitty, 350 

Kuan-, Stophal, 204. 
Knox. Col., 295. 
Knyphausen, Gen., 400. 
Kostcr, Wm.. 31.7 
Kulil. Fred., 366. 

Larry, Capt., 212, 215; Jno., "8. 357. 

Lackey. Jim . - 

Lafayette, 174; Genl., [65; Marquis. 301. 

I .ake, < ieorge, 93, 1 17- 

I ambi 11 11. Robl . ["ho . 333 

Lancaster, 26 

Landers, Saml 1 < lath I, 292. 

Lane, Jonthn., Jr.. 366. 

Lang, Capt . 200. 

I.arkin. Jos., 334 

Latham. 35. 

Lausens, Hi nrj . Pi e < long . -'.14 

Lawrence, rii.is.366; Henry, 66; Wm., 367. 



423 



Laws, Capt. Thos., 21. 

Lea, Thos., 331, 338. 

Leader, Jas., 204. 

Le Clerc, Clairwood, 174. 

Lee, Gen., 114, 14c;, 1O8, [82, 208; Maj., 200; 

Mr. Jno., 27, 28; Squire, 22, 25. 
Lefevre, Lt., 172. 

Leonaid, Ezekiel, 272, 333. 341, uq. 
Lemens, 26. 
Lenox, Dvd. Capt. ,357. 
Lesley & Eastburn, 392. 
Letter; of C. Wister, 376; on Reg. & Rec. 

Of., 368, 369; tu Gen. Washington, 169, 

170. 
Letts, Ens'n, 203. 200. 
Levis, I., Jno., Tho . (Oath), 292. 
Levy, Saml., 5. 
Lewis, D., 34, 44; Henry, 13; Isaac, 367; 

Josi., 297; Mr., 3S7; Nath., 368; Pris- 

eilla, 398; Thos., 307; -town, 36; Win., 

21. 67; Zach., 353. 
Lezt, Mr.. 213. 

Lightfoot, Benj.. 3; Thos., Win.. 11. 
Lincoln, Maj. Gen., 138; Gen.. 2211. 
Lindley, Thos., Hannah, 354. 
Lindsay, Jas. (Oath), 204, 335, 337. 
Linsey, Wm. (Oath), 291. 
Lispier, Cornelius, 17. 
Little Pipe Creek (Md.), 23. 
Little, x?; Jno., ioq. 566. 
Littler, Mr., 88. 

Lodge No. 8. Fr. Msn., 343; "No. 50," 408 
Lloyd, Hugh, 66, 194, 367; Mr., 67. 
London-Coffee-House, 356. 
Long, Jas. (recpt), 373; Mill, 25. 
Lord, Jno., 44. 
Lottery, Pickering, 362. 
Lovell, Jas., 168. 
Lowe, Richd., 144. 
Lowles, Col., Oliver, 389. 
Lownes, Jos.. 367. 
Lowry, A., 375. 
Loxley. Benj., 366. 
Lucas, Mr., 132; Thos., 367. 
Lueken, Jno., 366. 
Lukens, Jno. (Surv. Genl.), 9. 376 Chas., 

Jud., 367; Matthias, 17, 367; T., 366, 

367. 
Luney's Ferry, Va., 19, 21, 22. 24. 25. 
Lyon, Cha., Jr., 367. 

Mabon's. 19, 22. 

Maty. Jno., (recpt), 275. 

Mackee, Alex., 340. 

Mackenzie. Robt., 249. 

Maclay, Wm., 376. 

Magee, Capt, Jno., 21, 24. 

Malin. Gideon, 305; Randle. 368. 

Manalian Twp., Fayette Co., 328. 

Mann, Lawr., 366. 

Mantua Cr., 349. 

Map, Phila., 380. 



Marbury, Col., 1S0, 198. 

Mai < us Hook, [92. 

Alaiis. Jesse, 377, 380. 

Marshall, Christopher, 9, 43, 367; Humph- 
rey, #17; Jno., 385; Thos., 44, 112. 

Marstellor, Geo., 351. 

Martin, 358, 367; Patk. (recpt), 273, 275. 

Martinique, 15, 209. 

Aid , & Del. land claims, 9. 

Masery, Leve, 44. 

Mason, Richd., 367; Simon, 324. 

Massey, Jas., 366; Mr., 23; Mordecai 
(Oath), 292; Saml., 3(17; Wm., 41. 

Masters, Win., 3(10. 

Matlack, T. Sec. Supr. Ex. C, 273. 

Matson, Levi, 344; Sallie. 371, 400. 

Matthews, Hugh, 46; Jno.. (Reg.), 8. 

Maulsby, Morris, 367; Wm., 366. 

Maurignolt, Mr., 69. 

Mauss, Matthw., 200, 207, 212, 213. 

Maxfield (Maxwell), Gen., 143. 146. 

Mayben, Col., 25. 

Mayhu River, Va., 19. 24. 

McAffee (McFee), Capt., 193; Robt., 387. 
388, 389. 

McCall. Archd., 38; Eliz., 335, 337; Thos., 

334- 
McCallister, 23, 26. 
McClanaghan, Mr., 2s. 
MeCleland, Col., 189. 
McClelland, Jas., 314. 
McClenneghan, Mr., 222. 
McClintock, 152; Lt., 151, 203, 206, 220, 

221, 22K, 233, (recpt), 277. 
McCormick, Henry, 319, 320, 321. 
McClure, Capt., 227; David. 325. 
M'Coy, D.nis, 44. Wm., 384. 385. 
McCulloch, Capt.. 220; Lt. (recpt), 257, 

277; Jas. (Oath), 292. 
McCulloughs, 23; Lt., 187, 233; Jas., 232: 

Jno. (recpt). 274, 
McCully, Caleb, (Oath). 293. 
McDaniel. Danl.. 30. 324. 
McDole, Robt.. 321. 
McDonnald, Wm., 225. 
McDowl, Robt., 320. 
McElhatton, 225. 
Mcfarland, Jno. ((lath). 292. 
McGannon, Michl., 366. 
McGaw, Col.. 363. 

McGee, 22; Ens'n, 233; Lt. (recpt), 277. 
McGill, Sarj. N., 225. 
McGowan. Ct. Martial, 206. 
McHatton, Alex., 22^. 
McHenry. Chas., 260; Lt., 223, 224. 22('\ 

233 (recpt). 277. 
Melllhaney. Jas., Lydia. 331. 
McKean, Thos., 320, 354, 
McKinly, Jno. Dr., 279. 280; Jno., 281. 
McKnifiht, Paul, 295, 296. 
McMichell, Jas. (Oath), 292. 
McMillan, Hugh, 334; Robt., 334, 355. 



424 



Mi-Minn, Andrw (Oath), 292; Jno., 341; 

Robt., (67: Saml. (( >ath), 291. 
Me Murray, 228. 

McMurtrie, 22, 27, 3Q, 53, 54. 55. 7°. 73,345; 
( has . 50, 56; David, 9, 16, 37, 4-'. 43. 
50, 56, 58, 63, 7-- 324, 3+2, 35L 374; 
\l 1 . 33, 3 |, 36 69, 1 lo; \ s, I- razer, 346. 
McPhereson, Maj., 357. 
Meade, Dvd., 316, 320, 321, 323 Mr., 407. 
Mease, 233. 
Mebanesville, 22. 
Memorial to Congre >s, 265. 
Mendenhal, 21; Abner, 340; Amos, 304, 
340; Beulah, 340; Jane, 44; Jos., s; 
Phillip, 44; Richd., Mordecai, 24; 
Robt., 44, 66, [26; Saml., u_\ 272, 307, 
340. 
Merchnt's Coffee House, N. V . 84. 
Meredith, Saml., 309- 
Mermaid, 250. 
Massey, Billy, 35- 
Mexico, Gulf of, 17. 
Middleford, 10. 
Middleton, Monaghan Co., [reland, 40; 

Thos., 366. 
Midletown, 19, 22. 324; Meeting, 398. 
Mifflin, Gen., 223; J.. 234; Mr., 69; Thos., 

234, 367- 
Miles, C'apt.. ,i7''. Saml.. 16, 29. 
Militia, Act. regul., 308. 
Miller, 21, 324, 367; Capt. Jm>., 357; Wm, 

66; Town, 2.]. 
Milligan, 21. 
Milner, Edw., 12 
M ilnor, Win, 367. 
Mini hall, Edw., 334; J 11 " •> '-''' 
Mire, Geo., 44. 
Mitchell, Abraham, 11; Andrew, 66; Jno., 

1 1, 367; I hos., 325, 375. 
Modderrells, 22. 
Monaghan, County. 313. 
Monkton, Col., 183. 
Monmouth, Battle, 182; Ct. II.. 173, '4-'. 

386. 
Monocasin, 23. 
Montgomery, Alex., Jr., 313; Col., Wm.. 

227, 326; Wm . 66, 71, 311. 
Moody, John, 366. 

Moore, Capt., 140. 201, 233; Jas. (recpt), 
277. .157; Cha., 367; I- • 342; Jas,, 66, 
71, 224, 236, -MS; [no., jo; Mary, 342; 
Mr., (17; Win Pres Supr Ex. ('.. 272. 
Morgan, Benj., 366; Col. [82; Magda- 
lene, 360; Thos.. 5. 
M or, ,11. Jas , Wm.. 367. 

Morris. J26; Ant . .7: \nt Jam . .11,7; Is., 
^17: Dr. Ton., (il), 357; Maj.. 206; Mr- 
Martha. 1(10; Richd., 302, .lo.i. 3°7. 309. 
331. 332, 354: Sam . 38. 
Morrison, Benj., 334, 335. 337. 34°: Dvd., 
F.liz.. Jas., Jane., Jno , Jo, . 334; Mr., 
314; Wm., 28. 



Morristown, X. J.. 145. '4 s . -'-■?■ 

Morton, Jn.... 34, 48, 5 s . 6i, 100; Hon., 125, 

209, J79; Mr.. 117. 118, 126, 129; M01 

ton i< lathi. 293; Sketchly, 65, 66, 102; 

Maj. Sketchly (Oath). 292 
Mote, Jno.. 272. 
Mount Bird, 21, 23 
Moydores Pi tol(i Is, 21. 
Moylan, Gen., Stephen, 370, 391, 396, 397 
Mullen, 204. 

Murtland, Jno. (recpt), -74. (Oath) 291. 
Musgrave, Aaron, 333, 367; Jo- . 66. 
Musgi ove, \o 1 '" 79 M 1 . 280 
Mils-, Jno,. .1(17 
Musser, [no., 36 
Myers, Col. Henry, 287; Mary. 48; Mrs 

II.. [66; - . H , 286. 

Xaanian's (reek. [38, 229. 

[el, Maj . 357. 
Nanticoke Forge, 4.i; -Hundred, 9. 
Nathan, Moses, 44 

au, Chas . Win . 366. 
Nazareth, 321, 359. 
Ncal., Jno.. 384 
Nealej . 24, 40 

Nealy, James, Joseph, 21 ; Mr.. 22. 25. 
Nelson, las,. 233. 
Nesbet (or Heslet), Win, 312 
Nesbit, Mr., 233. 
Nescopack, 3-'-'. 
Nevill, Thos., 366. 
Newark Camp, 253. 
Newell. Jas.. 332, 375 
New Englanders, 116, [27; IVoops, 85, 96, 

or, 99, io|. io6, io8, 1 19. 
Newfoe, Christian, 44. 
New garden, -'4. 
New ••'.oal," 239, J40. 241, 242, 243: Ja'l. 

Phila., 163 
Newkirchs, 359. 
Newlin, Nath , 364, 368 
Noble, Wm., 225. 

Nofoblit, \6 tr, 85, 89, 92, 93, 97. 99. "3L 
[41; Wm., 295, 377, 370. 380; Jr. 
11 >ath), 294 
Non-Assi K latioii. 209 
Ni m Imp Res . 377. 

1 ave, 305. 
Norgrove, Mr., 308; Nath., 311. 
North. Caleb, 7' v . Capt . 203, 204, 278, 357: 
Maj.. 220; Col., (6o; l.t . 190, 228, -'-'0. 
277; Mr., 105 
Norris, 101 . Chas . 342; Mary, 331. 
Northumberland, 322. 
Nuell, Jas., 310. 

ird, \.ii"ii 67 
( (ccupations of Persifor Frazer, 8 
n'l rrel 1 larret, Ct. Martial. 232, 
1 )ld Halls. 26. 
Oldham, Capt.. 151, 222; Lt., 218. 



425 



Old man tea, 189. 

"Old Meadow," 10. 

Oliver, Mr., 85; Saml., 47, 93, 297. 

Ontario, Lake, 105. 

Orange (or St. Eustatius), 17: N. C, 19. 

21, 22. 
Ornd, Col., 322. 

Osborne, Capt., 66: Saml., 3, 13, 16, 28. 
Otter River, Va., 25. 
Outfit (Officers). 216. 
Owen, Jno., 5; Mr., 15; Saml., 44. 

Page, Jas., 343. 

Paks, Richd, 113. 

Painter, Lew. (Oath), 294; Saml., 307. 

Palmer, Jno., 367. 

Pancoast, David, 367. 

Paranius, N. J., 253. 

Parker, Jos., 331, 333; Win., 194. 

Parks, Richd., 127, 272, 310, 379. 

Parole, 234. 

Parry, 118; Col., 44, 368; Maj., 357. 

Parsons, 15; Dr., 14. 

"Partnership" (furnace), II. 

Paschall, Steph., 366. 

Patterson, Alex., 319; Ar., 225; Geo., 357; 

Capt. Jas., 16; Jas., 324; Wm., 325, 375. 
Pauls adley, 25. 
Paulus Hook. 87. 
Paxton's (Va.), 22, 24, 25. 
Peaks of Otter, Va., 19, 22." 
Pearce, Abel, 321; Geo., 12. 14. 
Pearson, Jas., 366; Jno. (Oath), 292, 307; 

Wm., 367. 
Peekskill, 144. 
Peirce 57; Abel. 320; Caby. 112: Caleb. 44, 

48, 339; Capt., 198; Geo., 66. 298, 299, 

331. 352; Jno., 45, 48, 56. 58. 61, 70, 189, 

272. XV, 347: Mary, 331. 
Penn, William, 62, 365; Mr., 380, 381. 
Pennell, Jno., 344; Jos., 66, 340, 344; M., 

46; Thos., 5. 
Pennock, Jos., 5. 126. 
Penn's-manor.348. 
Pennsylvania Hospital, 348. 
Penna. Packet (boat), 66. 
Perkins, Jno., Jose., 367; Lt. Col., 363; 

Thos.. 385. 
Person. Isaac, 194. 
Peter, Michael, 44. 
Peters, Evan, 366; Rees, 342. 
Petition to Ex. Counc, 299. 
Pettit, Chas., 258. 
Pettyjohn. Saml., 44. 
Phile, Fred.. 367. 
Philips, Jno., 341. 

Phillips, Dvd., 32; Gen, 130, 133; Wm., 346. 
Phipps, Aaron, 295, 296. 366. 
Physick, Edm., Philip Syng., Hen. White, 

374- 
Pierce, Jno., 75, 155, 294; Mr., 187; Wm., 

265. 



Pigeon Isl(and), 15. 

Pine Grove Furnace, 10. 

Pipe Creek, 26. 

Pistols, Gen. Frazer's, 286. 

Pitts (widow of), 31. 

Plumsted, 3, 12; Clem., 381; (lands), 63; 

Mr., 65; Wm., 354. 
Plunderers in pub. serv., 149. 
Pocomoke, 29; Riv., 73. 
Pokes, 24; Jacob, 44. 
Pole Cat, 21. 31. 
Pollus. Polly, 337. 
Popp, Jacob, 44. 
Porter, Wm., 44; Mr., 390. 
Potomac, Ferry, 23. 
Potter, Matt., 366. 
Potts, 230; Dvd., 31; Dr., 94. 98, 106, 210; 

Capt., 233. 337; Jno., 59, 60, 70, 74; 

Capt. Jos., Mr. Jos., 94, 95, 96, 98. 102. 

in, 219, 273, (recpt), 274, 277; Lt., 201, 

202, 203, 206; Mr., 116, 120, 125; Thos., 

368; Wm., 367. 
Prescot, Maj. Gen., 149. 
President. The (invitation), 365. 
Preston. Jonas. Mary, 331. 
Price, 378; Elisha. 354; Jno., 344; Phil., 

366, 377; Sam!.. 67; Thos. (Oath), 293. 
Prisoners in New "Goal," 239 to 243. 
Procter, 326; Maj., 403. 
Pross, Mr.. 300. 
Proctor, Thos., 366. 
Provincial and Provis. Conven., 76. 
Pryor. Saml.. Thos., 367. 
Pulaskey. Gen.. 195. 
Purcells. 23. 
Purden, Fergus. 366. 
Pusey. Josh.. 5. 

Putnam's Creek, 131 ; Gen., 87, 144. 
Pyle, Jos., 126; Wm., 296. 

Quandrill. Jno. (Oath), 292. 
Quebec, 84, 105. 
Quibble town, 143. 
Quin, W. (Oath), 293. 

Raccoon Cr., 249, 342. 

Rachel (black). 157, 159. 

Ragg, Hezekiah, 82. 

Ramage, Jas. (Oath), 292. 

Ranfrows, Jos., 24. 

Rang, Torrans, Co., 3. 

Ranger, brigantine, 3. 

Rathbun. Dr., 288. 

Rawle, Mr, 311, 312. 

Read, Jean, 12, (Jane) 373; Jno., 3^1 ; 
Richd., 22. 

Red Bank. 2W. 

Reddock. Mr., 328. 

Reece, 326. 

Reed, 28; Chas., 295, 296; Gen., 253; Hugh, 
296, 297, 307; Jas., 269, 395; Jno.. 22, 
36, 62, 63, 173, 365, 380; Jos., 268; Mr, 



426 



23. 302, ,lo;; Richd., 25; Saml., 319; St. Clair, 100. 148; Col., 3&3- 

's Ferry, w-t- St. Eustatius (Eustace), j, 17. 

Rees, Dvd., 258; Mr, 268. St. John's, 105, 228. 

Reese, Jno., Capt., 357; rho., 367 St. Ruts. 17. 

Reeth, Mr., 258. St. Lawrence, 105 

Reeve, Capt., 282, 366. Si Martin'-, 17. 

Register, Dvd., Jno., ,157; .las. 297. Salem, N J . 249. 

Reighter, Jno., 367. Salkeld, 61; Elizabeth, 6; Jno., 38s. 

Reily (lands), 65. Sandy Hook, 14a 

Renshaw, Jno., 3G7; Thos., 62, 366. Sargeant, Jona D., m<' 

Reply to charge of violating parole, 178 Sarum and Deep Creek, Enterprises at, <j. 
Resignation from Army, 263. Forge, 31, 34. 43. 50. 7-'. 73. 74. Iron 

Reynolds, 136; Benj., 307. works, 11. 

Resumption of Cartel. [67. Sash, Silk, Officer's, 287. 

Rice, J'cb., Danl (Oath), 293. Saull, Jos., 367 

Rich., Jno., 3(17. Savary, Dios., 367. 

Richards, Adam, 294; J'cb., Jno., 44; Saml., Savitzes, 316, 321, 322. 

366. Scanlan, Dr . 16; Luke, 18. 

Richardson, Edw., 298, 299; Jos . 367. Schantlin, Jno (Oath), 293. 

Richey, Matthew, 328. Schemt, Abraham, 31. 

Richison, Richd., 71. Scholfield, Nathan, 355. 

Riddile, Saml., 385. Schott, Capt., 323. 

Ridgely, Mr., 30. Schrachter, l'lnl , 367. 

Ridley Creek, 310. Schuyler, Geni., too 218, 220; Gen. Ord., 
Riffard, Philip, 306. 227. 229, 233; Ph., 20s 

Riley, Dr. I. W., 276; Mrs. E. V. (Smith), Scott, Gen , [82, 183; Maj., 207, 208. 

288; Richd . 66. Scophel, Mr., 221. 

Rinker, Jno. (Oath), 293. Scull, P., 227. 

Rippey, Capt., 08, 102. Seely, Capt., 184. 257; Isaac, 211, (recpt), 
Riston, 21. 273. 277; Lt., 104. 108, 215, 233, Mr, 

Rittenhouse, B., 366; Dvd. (let.), 330, 366. no. n8, 212, 213. 

Rivers, Mrs., 175. 185, Iy(J, 198, 241). Sellers, 357, 360; Win., 367 

Roanoke River. [9. Sennox, 36 

Roberts, Abel. 380; Aub., 5; Jno., 367; Serrett, Ass. Com'y, Prisnrs. affidavit, 177. 

Thos., 2<)5, 206. "Seven Stars" inn, 161 

Robins, Joseph, 102. Shades Mill. 324. 

Robins, Jno., 375. [69. Shade Mt . 374 

Robinson, 185. 260; Abraham, 138, 230; Shanadore (Shenandoah), 23, 25. 

Alex. 380; Capt., 96, 110, 124. 133, 357; Shanklands, 26. 

Henry, 366, 367; Lt. Col., 256; Maj., Shankling, Wm., 112. 

151, 245; Mr, 229; Richd., 366; Saml.. Sharp, Jno., 225. 

367; Thos . 78; Wm., 366, 367. Sharpless, Abr., 342, 343 

Robison, Capt., 127. Shaw. Saml., 70, 74 

Rodgers, Mary, 362. Shearman, Jno., 367. 

"Roe Buck" urinate), 250. Shee, Col., 363. 

Rolston. John. t22. Sheet-. Benj., 367. 

Rose, Dvd., 366. Sheriff, Col C, 265. 

Ross, las., 352; Jno., 206; Maj., 357; Mr., Shippen, Edw., Jr.. 45; Mr., 300. 

145. [47. Shirkey, Patrick, 354. 

Rouse, Em., 367. Shively, Christian. 324 
Row galley Trumble, 586; 137. Shoemaker (Rochester), 359; I hos.. 366. 

Rowlands Mill road. 364. Shotts, Capt., 317 

Rudolph, Capt. I. (Oath), 202; fos., 291. Shirr,. Col., 

Rush Dr., 371, 392; Feb., 320; fos., 366; Shuff, Chris ( 1 i.-ith). 298. 

Mr. 69; Saml.. 1 56. Shute, Wm.. 366. 

Russell, II, II.. 217; lane. 2^7; Lt. Col. Sill, Jno.. Richd., 297 

288; Mr.. 281. Sinclair, Genl . 148 

Ruth, Serg., 206. Sun,-. Jonas Preston, 331. 

Rutherford, Alex. 167. Simpson, Jas., 67. 

Ryan, Adj., 212: Maj., 259. I eiser, Ludwig, 307- 

SI eensburg, 148. 
St. Christopher's. 17, 18. Skene. Gov., 168. 

427 



Skinner, Lt., 15,?. 

Skull. Peter, Capt., 357. 

Slitting Mill, Valle- Forge, ^41. 

Slos, Thos., 28. 

Smallwood, Gen.. 281. 

Smedley, Thos., 331. 

Smiley, Mr., 329. 

Smith, 26; -'s Clove, 382; Col.. 316, 322, 
323, 406: Dan. 24; Dr., 311,375; Elea- 
zer, 354, Elizab, 156; E. W., 403; Gen.. 
317; J. B., 51, 50; Jas., 01,62; Jon.,,165, 
(recpt), 275. 332, 333, 330, 367. 4°8; Jno., 
30; Jones a, 24; Jos., 402; Lt., 233; Saml. 
(recpt), 277; Mr.. 112, 301; Phil., 316; 
R-, 35o; -River, 21, 24, 31; Robt., 166, 
307; Saml., 38 (Oath), 291; Sarah, 338; 
Wni., 367; Wm. H., 320, 321. 

Smither, Jas., 63, 365, 30;. 

"Smyrna," 393. 

Snider, Anth., 325; Jno., Jr. (Oath), 292. 

Sonmans, P., 367. 

Sopus (Esopus?), 359. 

Souder, Jcb., 307, 

South Valley Hills, 161, 402. 

Sparks, Jared, 134; Jno.. 367. 

Speakman, Townsend, 366. 

Speer, Geo. 82; Jno., 225. 

Spencer, Gen., 213. 

Speir, Serj., 233. 

Spicer, Jno.. 44. 

Spiritual Address, 363. 

Spoon. Capt. Jno., 357. 

Spotswood, Col., 229. 

Standing Stone 324. 

Stanley, Ens'n, 201; Lt. Jos, 232. 

Stanton, Va., 21, 22, 26. 

Stark, Col., 206. 

Starr, Jeremiah, 5; Wm., 41. 

Staunton, Va., 19. 

Stedman, Alex., 325. 375, 376. 

Steel, 24, 25; Hugh. Ens'n, 232. 

Steen, Frdk., 302. 

Steensons, John. 21. 

Stephensburg, Mill, 26. 

Stephenson, Helena, 4; Va., 19, 23. 

Sterret, Jos., 376; Wm., 350. 

Steuart, Andrew, 33. 

Steuben, Baron von, 283. 

Steward, Walt., Capt., 357; Col., 261. 

Stewart. And., 20; Capt. Chris.. 357; Maj., 
262; Walt., 405. 

Stille, Moley, 391. 

Stimble, Phil., 310. 

Stimmel, Phil., Nich., 339. 

Stirling, Gen., 400; Lord, 143, 144, 146, 173, 
181, 253. 

Stone House, 24. 

Stoss, Thos.. 44. 

Stotesburg, Mr.. 264. 

Strasburg, Bowmans, 23. 

Strike, Lt. Jos., 235. 

Strieker, Mick!., 391. 



Stringer, Dr., 206. 

Strong, Q. M., 233; Wm. (recpt), 277. 

Stroubinsey, Maj., 238. 

Stroud. Col., 310, 321 Jas., 366, 385; Thos., 

385- 
Stryker, S. S., 386. 
Stuart, 2sf>. 260; Alex., 367; Christ., 259, 

2O0, 2O2; Maj. 213. 
Sturgeon 322; Mills 324. 
Sullivan, Gen., 90, 142, 196; Maj. Gen., 265, 

400, 406. 
Sunbury, 322, 324. 
Sutton, Bart'w. (Oath), 291. 
Suttor, Jas., 366. 
Swaford, Wm., 126. 
Swain. Wm., 44. 
Swartwoods, Phil., 359. 
Swartz's, 23. 26. 
Swasfer, Abigail Worrall, 347. 
Swede's Ford (Schuylkill), 165, 402. 

Talbot, Jas., 126, 127. 347; Jno., 67, 96. 

Tanner, Jno.. 82, (It. Martial), 202. 

Tatnall, Robt., 3(10. 

Taylor. 23; Abra'm, 126; Capt., 206, 228, 233, 
235. 238, 277, 357; Col. .2S3; Eli-lia 
(Oath), 292; Eliza , 49, 59, 60, 72; Fred., 
44, 193, 197, 302; Hannah, 315, 328; 
Isaac. 4. 44. 49. 73. n6. 295, 307, 360, 
3O8, 396; Jas., 78, 221. 225; Jno., Dr. J.. 
4, 11. 41. 59. 60, 63, 65, 67, 72, 127, 
(Oath). 292, 307, 371, 379, 381; Jr., 57; 
Alary Worrall. 72; Mr., 67, 68; Sarah 
(Worrall) 41; Thos.. 44, 66, 71. 80, 83, 
94, 105. IIS, 188, 210, (Oath) 291, 344; 
I itus, 174. 307; Win. H., 328. 

Tea.. Richd., 36. 

Templeton, 187. 

Terance. Adam, 376. 

Terry. Col., 22, 25. 

Thatcher, Jos., 367. 

Thomas, 31. 36; Dvd., 215; J'cb., 32, 367; 
Mr., 148; Owen, 310; Richd., 66, 71, 
279, 367; Robt., 32; Wm., 35. 

Thompson, 73; Chas., 50, 52; Gen.. 01; 
Jas., 49. 59, 60, 307; Jno., 44, 72; Robt., 
12. 225, (Oath). 292. 374, 398; Wm, 12, 

374- 

Thomson, Alex., 360; Col. Arch., 195; 

Chas., 56. 72, 244. 265; Dan., 112; Gen., 

92; Isaac, 105; Jas., 74, III, 297; 

Jemmy, 94, 95, 105, 146, 148. 197, 306; 

Jno., 33, 35. 43, 46, 366, 367; Col. Mark, 

151 ; Mr., 62; Sarah, 114. 
Thorn'bury. Mr., 70. 
I hornhill, Jno.. Jos., 367. 
Ticonderoga, 94, 102, 103, 108, 117 123, 132, 

148, 152, 200, 205, 207, 211, 212, 215, 216, 

217. 222, 224, 359. 
Tilbury. Thomas, 366. 
Tilghman, Tench, 244. 252, 263. 
Tilsbee, Nath., Jr., 367. 



428 



hi' m, < 'apt., 206 
Tiluson, Thos., 342. 
I mkI.iI, Elijah, Jno., +4. 
Tobyhanna, ,u~. 

I od, Alex., Wm A , 391; Mr., 390. 
1 odhunter, Jno., 348. 
["olbert, Jno . [26. 
Tombs, Jno., 366. 
Tomkins Wind ( iap, 359. 
Tomlinson Run. 393. 
1 opham, Danl., 366. 
Torrans Rang iV Co., 3. 
Torranus, Adm., 309. 
Tortola Isld . 31 6 
"Trap," 235. 
Trelawney, Col., [83 
I 1 ibbetts, Satnl., 29. 
rrimble, Jas., 331, 344, 345! Lew. (Oath), 

294; Saml ,66 
Trumble, Francis, 294; J.. 213; Row gal., 

389 
I 1 ump, Levi, 12; C apt., [5. 
["ryi m, < li iv., 87. 
I m kness, Ri ibl . 325, ,175. 
ruley, Abram, 367. 
Turk's I lead 1 inn I, 401. 
I in nei . 34; 1 hos., 367; Wm., 36. 
Turpin, Mr., 34. 
Tuscarora, 325, ,t;.i. 
Tynan, Co. Armagh, Ireland, 40. 

Urian, Andw., (» )ath), 293. 

Valentine, Jno., 296. 

Valley Forge, [82, 405, 

Vancampen, Mr.. 316, 322. 

Van Cortland, Nich., 265. 

Vandergrift, Mr.. 138; Jos., i|<>. '45. <5°- 

Vanderslice, Hen., ,i-' 

Vanderspiegle, Wm., 38. 

Vanduzen, 359 

Van Eyks Mill, .158. 

Vanhorn, 137; Bei nard, 196; 1 "1 370 

Vanleer, Bernh'd, (Oath), 293; Dr. Bran- 
son, 66; Bransi >n, 367, 

Van Rensselaer, Jas., 227. 

Van Vachten, ,15'). 

Van/ant. Capt. Nathanl., 357. 

Vaughan, 28, -'4; Jno. (Oath), 293, 39°; 
fona., 9, 10, r2, [3, 14, 16, 41. 43. 44- 46. 
50. 56, 7-'. 73, 374; Josh, (Oath), 293, 
337, 338; Mr.. 29, 34, 52, 53; rhos., 366 

Varick, Richd., 21 5 

"Venture" (tract), 10. 

Verney, Edw (recpt), 274. 

Vernon, 230, ,17 s : Ann, 394. 397 Capt, [15. 
204. 206. 228, 2,32, 233; (recpt). -77. 
357; Ens., 201; Fred.. 7S; Gen., 
'142. f'cb., 129, i,34- i57. '5 s - ""■ 
188, [99, 272 296. 297. .102; Je., 192; Lt. 
fob, 232, 233 (recpt), 274; Jona., Jr.. 67: 
Josh., 390; fos., 272: Nath . 126, 367; 



Sally. 129; Sarah, 12H, 344; Serj. 
pt), 273. 

Vi er, 364; Saw Mill. 165. 

\ illagc ' ireen, prcl , 401. 
\ in. .mi. Alex., 11 >athl 294. 

\ ||" '. 33. 

Virginia I'roop [53 

\ ondaci moncj 1'ho . I... 37 

er, 1 

Wag i.i" I 1 ,28, 38 

Wales, Danl. 44 

Walker, fohn (recpt), 273; Lew., 27;Rachl, 
184, )88; Saml., 272. 

\\ ail 10 1 '. .. 206; Robt., 29 
Thos., 32. 

\\ alii . Saml., 367, 

\\ alnul Street Pri ion, 240,241, 242, 243, 329, 

Walpack, 359. 

\\ alters, Elinor, 297 

Wappolopo, .!-'-'. 

\\ .11.1. ( ieorge, 51, 56; Mr. 21 1 

\\ ardi 1 . Jercm., 366. 

\V.ii rants, 325. 

Washington, 83, 9'. '32, '35. '43. (trust 
ill) 144, 151, 156, I'M. [62, I'M. [65, [67, 
168 (let. to P. F I, 172, 17.*. 177. ' 8 '- 
205, 208, 21 j, 226, (Gi n ' >rd I, 231 : 
246, 248, -'5.!. (Gen I Ird I, 255, 
268,386,399, 401, 4"-'. 403, 405,(County), 
l"7 

Waters. Tho., 

Watkins, Jas., 367; F° ■ h 

\\ at on's Vnnals, 387; Jno., 93. 

Watt. Jno., 20] 

Waits. Silas, 367. 

Wattson, Saml. < ant . 357. 

Way, Josh., 272, (Oath), 294; Mary. 357; 
Mr., 150. 

Wayne, Anth . 66, 67, 68, 7> (l »rdi 1 I, 80, 
H ,, n. Orel). 81, 83, 84, 91, 94. '»''■ HO, 
1 m. lis, 1 16, 127, 132, 133, 134. 135. 
1 ;8. 141. 14-'. 156, 1"). 18-'. 183, (| 
of Pa.), [86, 202, 205, 206, 210, 21 1. 21 i. 
215, 216, 218, 222, 223, 233, 235. 2 45 I''- 
-'4'). 250, 252, 256, 257. -'5 s - -''"'■ -''-'■ 
(letter of), 263, 270, 275. .'"7. 326, .V'7- 

586, 399, 400; Molly, ■ 
Weaver, Adam, 324, .U7 : Jno., 16; Mr . .ii.' 
Weatherly, Benj., .M- 
Web!.. ?-'-•: I hos . 18. 
Weed, I'.lij.. 366 
Weiss. I. \ . 63. 

Wellford. Dr.. 252; Robt , Phillip A . 389 
Wells. Mary, 33'. 
Welsh, 358. 
W.-t. Capt., .157: Lew. 11. Point, 266; 

Saml., 28; Wm . 126, 366. 
West Brooks, 359. 

West Indie Duti h, 17: Merchant, 3. 
Wetherell, !•> 
Wethy, Mr.. 338; Mrs., 103. 222 

429 



Whelen, Dennis, 12, 13, 4.5, 72; Townsend, 

-79- 
Wherry. David, 67. 
Whitaker, Kdw., 385. 
VVhitecer (Whitaker) Jno., 354. 
White, 34; -Horse, 34; -Road, 364; -tavern, 

71, 401; Jos., 115; Jno., 324; -Marsh, 

164, 165, 403; -Plains, 186, 195, 200, 386; 

-Swan tavern, 162. 404. 
Whiteside. Wm., 329. 
Whitlow, Lt., 120. 
Wiggins, Thos., 16, 17. 
Wickersham, Sampson. 341. 
Wilcocks, 17; Capt.. is; Jno.. Jr., 18; 

Mark. 281; M. Jr.. 18; Mr., 320' 
Wiilcox, Mark, 191, 279, (Oath), 292; 

Wm., 30. 
Willcoxe, 46. 
VViley, Mary, 357. 
Will, Gen, Frazer's, 393 to 397; Henry, 

206; Mr., 212. 
Williams, Jos., 390. 

Williamson, Lt.. 201. 202, 222; Mr., 223. 
Willing, ?26, Thos., 44. 4s. 
Willis, Wm. (Oath), 292/ 
Willson, Capt., 109, 32b; Jno., 300; Martha, 

39; Mr., 68, 69. 
Wilmington, Del., 153, 234. 
Wilson, 26: Dvd.. 219; Dr., 284; Edw., 29; 

Eliz.. 333: Hannah. 339; Jas., 338; Mr., 

49: Robt., 342; Saml., 376; Steph., 335, 

.W8, 340; Thos., 339. 
Winchester. 19, 21, 23, 26, 31. 
Wind, Lt.. 227. 
Winey. Jct>., 38. 
Winters. Jno., 367. 
Wishart, Wm.. 10. 43. 4(1, 47, 366. 



Wistar, Jno., 10. 
Wistcr. C, 377. 
Wolf, Leonard, 324. 

Woods, Geo.. 325; Jno.. 93. no, 366, 375; 
Lt., 200. Col., 363; Maj., 357; Wm., 333. 
-'54- 
;()6. 



, 204. 

Surv. Md., 44. 

.'55. 396; Jas. 
Sarah, 5, 347; 



366; Jno., 
Thos., 398; 



Woodford, Gen 
Woodron, Wm. 

Woodstock, 20. 
Woodward, Jas 
Worcester. &c, 
Worrall, Geo., 

Peter. 347; 

Uncle, 42. 

Worralow, Alice, Ann. Jean, Mary. ,;oX 
Worrell, Eliza., Jno.. Mary, Sarah, 398. 
Worrilow, held. 294; Mary. 4. 
Worth, Jno., 344 
Wos., Nathan. 5. 
Wright, Ellis, 326; ferry, 26; Jno., (Oath), 

2')3, 366; Thos., 340; -sville, 19. 
Wyoming, Pub. doc. of Com'sn to, 316, 

318; Rpt. of Com.. 317, 320; Expen. of 

Corns /n., 321,322, 323, 406; Valley, 407. 



Yarington, Abel, 320, 321. 

Yarnail, David, Dank, 297; Francis, 5; 

Hannah, 297, 298; Isaac, 384; J'cb., 44; 

Peter, 398; Wm., 342. 
Yorick Head Phila., 315. 
York, Pa., 19, 23. 26. 
Young, Daniel. Eliza., 92; Jem., 

Jr., 367; Lizzy, 93; Saml., 27; 

& Co., 3-'. 
Younger, Capt. Jno., 203. 



85; Jno., 
Torrans 



Zantzinger, Adam, 367. 



430 






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